Jiskra’s steal gives Lyle-Pacelli win over FBA

Published 12:25 am Wednesday, December 30, 2015

Lyle-Pacelli’s Noah Jiskra shoots against Faribault BA during the first half Tuesday night in Hayfield. Eric Johnson/photodesk@austindailyherald.com

Lyle-Pacelli’s Noah Jiskra shoots against Faribault BA during the first half Tuesday night in Hayfield. Eric Johnson/photodesk@austindailyherald.com

HAYFIELD — The Lyle-Pacelli boys basketball team had to hold off a late push by Faribault Bethlehem Academy (3-7 overall) to pick up a 64-63 win in the Hayfield tournament Tuesday.

Lyle-Pacelli’s Braden Kocer works underneath against Faribault BA during the first half Tuesday night in Hayfield. Eric Johnson/photodesk@austindailyherald.com

Lyle-Pacelli’s Braden Kocer works underneath against Faribault BA during the first half Tuesday night in Hayfield. Eric Johnson/photodesk@austindailyherald.com

The Cardinals had a chance to win the game when they had possession with 10 seconds left in the contest, but LP’s Noah Jiskra came up with a game clinching steal as time expired to close out the win for the Athletics (8-3 overall).

LP had led 64-60 with one minute left, but it missed six free throws and committed one turnover down the stretch. The game was tied at 53-53, and LP was able to pull away behind the post play of Braden Kocer, who had 25 points.

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LP senior Jordan Cotter also stepped up with 12 of his 14 points coming in the second half.

“We started off a little rough, but we grabbed momentum and then we took it to them. Whenever it’s close, we always get better,” Cotter said.

LP was able to share the ball to get back in the game and head coach Scott Koenigs said that has been a key trait for his team.

“Our guys are really unselfish and it doesn’t matter who scores,” Koenigs said.

LP will play Hayfield in the tournament title game in Hayfield 7:45 p.m. Wednesday.

LP scoring: Braden Kocer, 25; Noah Jiskra, 19; Jordan Cotter, 14; Lee Bauer, 6

Lyle-Pacelli’s Jordan Cotter drives around the defense during the first half against Faribault BA Tuesday night in Hayfield. Eric Johnson/photodesk@austindailyherald.com

Lyle-Pacelli’s Jordan Cotter drives around the defense during the first half against Faribault BA Tuesday night in Hayfield. Eric Johnson/photodesk@austindailyherald.com