The Austin boys basketball team started strong as it beat Mankato West (2-1 overall, 1-1 Big Nine) by a score of 81-66 on the road Thursday.

The Packers (2-0 overall, 1-0 Big Nine) jumped out to a 15-3 lead to start the game.

“We played really well early in the game and got off to a great start,” Austin head coach Kris Fadness said. “The transition game was really effective early on. For the most part.”

Kyle Oberbroeckling, who had 12 points and eight rebounds, tipped in a shot to put the Packers up 44-26 at the half, but the Scarlets were able to pull within 76-66 with two minutes left in the game.

“In the second half we lost our discipline and focus a little bit and I give credit to West for spreading us out and getting to the basket,” Fadness said. “I wasn’t really pleased with the second half. We have some things we need to clean up.”

Both Gach led Austin with 19 points and Pat Hagen had five points and four rebounds off the bench.

“Pat played well when he was out there,” Fadness said. “He gave us good minutes off the bench and I thought Tyler Tupy played well off the bench too.”

Austin scoring: Both Gach, 19; Duoth Gach, 12; Oman Oman, 12; Kyle Oberbroeckling, 12; Moses Issa, 10; Tate Hebrink, 6; Pat Hagen, 5; Tyler Tupy, 3; Trent Brown, 2; free throws: 93 percent (12-for-13)