The Packers didn’t flinch in the face of adversity as they held off an athletic Mankato East boys basketball squad and won 72-68 in Packer Gym Monday.

The Packers (11-1 overall, 8-1 Big Nine) led by as many 17 points in the first half, but the Cougars stormed back into it in the second half behind the hot shooting of freshman Jax Madson and the play-making ability of Demani Hayes. East (7-8 overall, 7-5 Big Nine) took a 50-48 lead when Madson hit a three-pointer with nine minutes left in the game, but Austin scored the next seven points to go up 55-50 as Duoth Gach hit a three, Both Gach drove for a score and Kyle Oberbroeckling scored inside.

“They definitely had some momentum going and the coach’s kid Jax Madson hit some big shots for them,” Austin head coach Kris Fadness said. “To withstand that was good. They were playing well, Demani was getting to the basket and to win the game says something about our guys. They were resilient.”

Austin was able to hold on to its lead as Both, who had 17 points, five assists and seven rebounds, converted a three-point play to put Austin up 66-58 with 3:18 left in the game and Duoth Gach converted a breakaway lay-up on an assist from Both to put Austin up 68-62 with a minute left.

“We just had to get defensive stops and communicate,” Both said. “We had to get out on their shooters and stay on our feet. It’s getting better and better [on the defensive end] but we’ve still got a lot of work to do. They’re one of the top teams in the Big Nine and this is a big win for us.”

Duoth finished with 22 points and he drilled three of his five three-pointers in the second half.

“I’m pretty confident. I can make most of my shots,” Duoth said. “When [my teammates] see me open they give it to me.”

Monday’s game was just the fourth game this season that was decided by single digits for Austin. Fadness was glad to see his squad face a test where it had to play well down the stretch.

“We haven’t had very many close games and our kids have got to be able to keep their composure in close games and still have that confidence,” Fadness said. “Both’s ability to get to the basket was probably the difference. He made some plays for us and I thought Jany Gash and Pat Hagan gave us some good minutes.”

The starting five played a lot of minutes in the win and the Packers will have to regroup quickly as Austin is scheduled to host Faribault 7:15 p.m. Tuesday. The Falcons (8-2 overall, 5-2 Big Nine) beat the Cougars 49-48 in overtime Jan. 3.

“We gassed a lot of guys tonight,” Fadness said. “The bench is going to have to be ready to step up and make some plays.”

East 24  44  —  68

Austin 33  39  —  72

Austin scoring: Duoth Gach, 22; Both Gach, 17; Oman Oman, 10; Tate Hebrink, 8; Kyle Oberbroeckling, 6; Jany Gash, 4; Moses Issa, 3; Pat Hagan, 2; free throws: 76 percent (19-for-25); rebounds: 26 (Both, 7); turnovers: 10