Alexandria girls' basketball: Cardinals edge Tech 47-43

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Alexandria bounced back from a five-point halftime deficit to claim its fifth Central Lakes Conference win 47-43 over St. Cloud Tech Friday night in a road game.

“We started out OK, but the Tigers sent the message early and often that they were setting the tone with physical play as they challenged every cut, score and pressured us hard,” said head coach Wendy Kohler. “The Cards went into the half trailing 20-15 as we backed down to the physical play.”

The early going of the second half was much the same for the Cards, but, after finding themselves down by 11 at the 12 minute mark, came roaring back.

“We had a soul-searching gut-check time out,” said their coach, “and the Cards found the confidence, energy and surge they needed to match the Tigers’ aggression.”

That time out resulted in a 21-0 Cardinal run, giving Alexandria just what it needed.

“We pressured the Tigers and the girls made excellent adjustments on defense to shut the Tigers’ Burroughs down,” Kohler noted. “We executed our sets and sprung Jess Syvrud free for four straight threes, and she confidently answered the bell.”

Alexandria also needed the leadership of Amanda Christianson and Dani Strater, who, along with Syvrud, went 6-for-8 from the free throw line down the stretch to secure the victory.

“Scoring was led by Amanda Christianson with a hard fought 16 as she demonstrated tremendous composure being dogged the entire game,” said Kohler.

Syvrud had 13, Kalli Bowser six, Karly Betterman six, Sarah Bruzek three and Amanda Gould two.

Christianson, Bowser and Betterman each had four rebounds, with Betterman and Strater dishing out four assists apiece.

Christianson also had three steals and two blocked shots.

“[She] took a huge charge down the stretch during the Cardinal run,” said Kohler.

Alexandria is now 5-1 in Central Lakes play and 7-4 overall. They were at Moorhead on Tuesday and will be at Willmar tomorrow, Thursday.

Tags: alexandria sports, sports, cardinals, girls, basketball