In a tightly contested Tomahawk-Valley Conference boys basketball crossover game, New Ulm Cathedral emerged victorious over Mankato Loyola with a final score of 69-66. The match, held at Fitzgerald Gym in Mankato, saw both teams trading leads throughout regulation before Cathedral sealed the win in overtime. Head coach Alan Woitas praised his team's resilience and execution during the critical moments, highlighting key contributions from multiple players.

The contest was characterized by its back-and-forth nature, with neither side able to establish a significant advantage. Coach Woitas noted that the margin between the two teams never exceeded five or six points, making it a highly competitive affair. Cathedral’s success hinged on their ability to make crucial plays when it mattered most, particularly in the extra period.

Jake Finstad played a pivotal role in the Greyhounds' overtime performance. He opened the period with a three-pointer and demonstrated exceptional hustle by recovering a loose ball, which extended an offensive possession. Finstad also capitalized on a steal, converting it into a layup. Meanwhile, Colin Anderson provided timely scoring with a deep three-pointer under pressure and clinched the game with two successful free throws. Joe Gillis was instrumental as well, excelling in distributing the ball and contributing around the hoop.

Coach Woitas emphasized the importance of having various players step up at critical junctures. “We need contributions from different guys to be successful,” he remarked. Finstad attributed the team's success in overtime to mutual trust among teammates. “Trusting each other goes a long way,” he said. This collective effort was evident in several key plays, including Finstad’s dive for a loose ball and Anderson’s clutch three-pointer near the end of the game.

Jack Edwards led the Greyhounds with 17 points and nine rebounds, while Eli Anderson, Jake Finstad, and Colin Anderson each contributed 13 points. Joe Gillis added nine points, five assists, and five rebounds. The first half saw Loyola take an early lead, but Cathedral managed to tie the game at 27 thanks to Anderson’s buzzer-beating three-pointer. In the second half, the teams continued to exchange leads until the game eventually went into overtime.

Ultimately, Cathedral’s ability to execute under pressure and capitalize on critical moments proved decisive. The Greyhounds now look forward to their next matchup against Lester Prairie on Tuesday. Their victory underscores the importance of teamwork and resilience in high-stakes games like this one.