There were plenty of momentum shifts in the second half. NRHEG would claw their way back, but then USC would jump out to an eight or 10 point lead.
The Panthers were down eight points with 3:30 remaining.
Oakley Baker drilled a three-pointer from the corner to pull NRHEG within four points.
Ryan Patraw nailed a triple to pull the Panthers within one point with 1:30 left in the game.
NRHEG got the ball back with one minute left. Baker got free for a soft floater in the lane to put the Panthers up by a point.
USC’s Steve Voigt was fouled with five seconds remaining, but missed both shots to clinch NRHEG’s win.
“Our kids are doing a nice job of sharing the ball to get everyone involved,” said Churchill. “We probably stole a win here, but we will take it.”
NRHEG placed five players in double figures. Baker, a freshman, led the way with 16 points.
Spencer Tollefson was right behind with 15 points, Trevor Tracy pumped in 12 points, Kevin Kalis flipped in 11 points and Patraw added 10 points.
Luke Trio flipped in six three-pointers on his way to a 26-point night for the Rebels.
“He killed us offensively tonight,” said Churchill. “We had trouble guarding him all night.”
Nate Pederson popped in 14 points for the Rebels, and Voigt chipped in with 10.
USC won the junior varsity game, 63-35.
Maple River
MAPLETON – A strong second half lifted NRHEG to a 65-56 victory over Maple River in Mapleton Friday.
The Eagles fell to 1-2 in the conference and 3-4 overall.
MR rolled to a 29-21 halftime advantage, hitting a three at the halftime buzzer for the eight point lead.
“Maple River came out with a lot of toughness and energy in the first half,” said Churchill. “We played tight and let them dictate how the game was being played.
The Eagles stretched their lead to 11 points early in the second half before NRHEG mounted its comeback.
A 12-1 run by the Panthers tied the game at 33-33.
Tracy hit a couple of baskets to spark the comeback. Down the stretch Baker nailed some huge shots and NRHEG hit its free throws as it pulled away.
NRHEG’s scoring balance continued with four players in double digits. Baker paced the Panthers with 17 points, Tollefson and Tracy fired in 15 apiece, and Kalis added 11.
Will Keller paced MR with 17 points, one more than Brian Doering.
Jay Sohre added 10 points and Grant Sonnek scored nine.
“Noah Krell played physical defense on their big kid to keep us within striking distance,” said Churchill. “He knows he is not going to have great stats, but he helped us win tonight.
“Tollefson held Jonah Breiter scoreless which was huge,” said Churchill.
Kalis, who had to battle foul problems, snared eight rebounds to lead the Panthers. Chad Agrimson grabbed six rebounds, and Baker had four blocked shots.
The NRHEG JV defeated Maple River 57-54.
The Panthers play at the Mankato Bethany Holiday Tournament Thursday, Friday and Saturday. NRHEG will tangle with St. Croix Lutheran in the opening round tonight at 6:30 p.m.
NRHEG returns to Gopher Conference action at Medford Jan. 3.
