The Austin boys basketball team started fast, but it had to sweat it out to beat Byron (15-11 overall) 59-58 on the road Thursday.

The Packers (20-5 overall) secured the win when they came up with an offensive rebound off a missed free throw as time expired. Oman Oman hit a big three-pointer to put Austin up 59-54 with under two minutes left in the game.

Duoth Gach had 16 points, three rebounds and three steals for the Packers, which led 20-4 to start the game.

Austin scoring: Duoth Gach, 16; Jace Murray, 11; Oman Oman, 8; Mark Manyuon, 8; Tate Hebrink, 6; Kyle, 4; Both, 4; Zach Coffey, 2; free throws: 43 percent (6-for-14)