Austin Packers boys basketball falls to Alexandria 68-34 at Hopkins Tip-Off Classic Saturday

The Austin Packers boys’ basketball team, the No. 7 ranked team in the state in the first Class AAA poll and fresh off a win at home over No. 10 ranked Mankato East at Packer Gym Tuesday evening traveled to the Hopkins Tip-Off Classic Saturday to take on another state-ranked opponent, the No. 4 ranked Alexandria Cardinals, who fell to Minnehaha Academy in the State Class AAA final last season.  Cardinal guard Kristen Hoskins, who has committed to the University of Minnesota Gopher football team as a wide receiver scored a game-high 18 points as Alexandria led 40-21 at the half on their way to a 68-34 win.

Victor Idris was the lone Packer in double figures for the game with 10 points, while fellow forward Kaden Murley tallied seven points, Buai Duop added four points and Manny Guy, Jared Lillemon and Morries Jabateh all added three points apiece for Austin, who fell to 1-1 for the season with the loss.

The Packers are back on the road for their next game at Red Wing Tuesday evening versus the Wingers in the Big 9 Conference, with the varsity tip-off scheduled for 7:30 p.m.