Austin Packers boys’ basketball pulls away in second half to down Faribault 75-55

The Austin Packers boys’ basketball team was looking for their second win in a row in Faribault Tuesday evening versus the Falcons after a week-long layoff, and guard Cham Okey tallied 17 points, three rebounds, three steals and two assists as the Packers pulled away in the second half to down the Falcons 75-55.

A 3-pointer from guard Gage Manahan, one of 10 in the game for Austin gave the Packers an early 14-11 lead, and after Faribault countered with a 10-2 run to take a 21-16 lead, a layup and a 3-pointer from Okey, plus a bucket from guard Manny Guy off the bench keyed an 11-0 Packer run to put Austin back in the lead at 27-21.  The Packers wound up with a 32-27 lead at the half, and Austin started to pull away when they started the second half on a 9-0 run, which was highlighted by a dunk from forward Victor Idris and a 3-pointer from Okey to give Austin a 41-27 lead.  After another 3-pointer by Okey later gave the Packers a 49-38 lead, another dunk by Idris capped off a 12-5 run to give Austin a 61-43 lead on their way to the win.

Besides Okey’s 17 points, Gage Manahan was also in double figures for Austin with 15 points, plus team-highs in assists with seven and steals with six, Jack Lang swished three 3-pointers for nine points, plus he chipped in four steals and three assists, Victor Idris and Manny Guy each tallied eight points, Buai Duop contributed six points and a team-high eight rebounds, Kaden Murley scored four points, Jared Lillemon and Othow Gari each added three points and Ater Manyoun scored two points for the Packers, who came up with 20 steals and forced 17 Faribault turnovers on their way to the win.

Austin is now 5-3 in the Big 9 Conference and 6-6 overall on the season, and the Packers return to action at home Friday evening versus Rochester John Marshall.  You’ll hear the game on AM 1480 KAUS, with the Austin Packers pre-game show on the air at 7:15, and tip-off from Packer Gym at 7:30 p.m.