The Austin boys basketball team prevailed in a 43-35 win at Mankato West Friday.

The Packers (12-9 overall, 10-5 Big Nine) trailed 29-26 with eight minutes left in the game when they rallied to score nine straight points. Joe Aase, who finished with 18 points, hit a key three during the run.

West (7-15 overall, 5-10 Big Nine) pulled back to within 35-31 with two minutes left when Austin senior Jay Ettinger hit a three to ice the game.

“That was pretty much the nail in the coffin,” Austin head coach Kris Fadness said. “It was a defensive game and West is a physical team. I’m happy with our patience and how we grinded it out.”

Austin trailed 15-11 early on but they used an 8-0 run that was capped by a Zach Fadness three to take the lead in to halftime.

Senior guard was Matt Duren was ill and he sat out his second straight game.

Austin has now won four of its last five games.

Austin scoring: Joe Aase, 18; Andrew Kaiser, 8; Zach Wessels, 6; Tom Aase, 5; Jay Ettinger, 3; Zach Fadness, 3; field goals: 44 percent (12-for-27); three-pointers: 50 percent (6-for-12); free throws: 59 percent (13-for-22)

Mankato West scoring: Alex Knutson, 10; Des Spann, 10; field goals: 46 percent (13-for-28); three-pointers: 40 percent (2-for-5); free throws: 47 percent (7-for-15)