Connor Gunderson poured in a career high 39 points to put the Austin boys basketball team past Waseca 71-58 on the road Thursday night.

Austin (7-8 overall) trailed 38-36 at the break, but Jamaal Gibson hit a three to tie the game at 44 with 14 minutes left in the game and the Packers never trailed again.

Gunderson, who also grabbed six rebounds, personally outscored Waseca 25-20 in the second half.

“We were nice and patient on offense and we got Connor some good looks,” Austin head coach Kris Fadness said. “We also did a much better job of moving our feet on defense in the second half.”

T.J. Fritz had 10 points and five assists for the Packers, and Gunderson hit 14-of-25 from the field, 4-of-9 three-pointers, and 7-for-9 free throws.

Waseca jumped out to an early lead by hitting 14-of-22 free throws in the first half and they attempted just four free throws in the second half.

Nick Hanson led Waseca with 16 points and nine rebounds.

Austin scoring: Connor Gunderson, 39; T.J. Fritz, 10; Joey Swatfager, 6; Tim Erickson, 5; Jamaal Gibson, 3; Tom Aase, 3; Matt Duren, 3; Jacob Brehmer, 2; field goals: 45.3 percent (24-for-53); three-pointers: 41 percent (9-for-22); free throws: 70 percent (14-for-20)