South O’Brien built a big fourth-quarter lead over George-Little Rock and then held on for a 63-58 win December 15 at George. The Wolverines held a 54-39 advantage and, despite the late GLR rally, were able to improve to 4-0 in the War Eagle Conference.
The two-pronged scoring attack of the Wolverines featured 24 points from David Bottjen and 23 from Derek Paulsen. Bottjen nailed five three-pointers and Paulsen added three baskets from beyond the arc. Ben Woodall contributed nine points, Jaden Kreber six and Justice Frerk one.
The visitors went 24-for-59 from the field for 41 percent. There were assists on half of those baskets with Ben Woodall providing four and Bottjen three. South O’Brien was 5-of-8 at the free throw line. George-Little Rock sank five of 10 free throws and 21 of 55 field goal attempts (38 percent).
Paulsen made five steals as the Mustangs turned the ball over 19 times. South O’Brien committed just seven turnovers. The 26 Wolverine rebounds included eight from Bottjen and six from Paulsen.
S. O’Brien
14 15 17 17 – 63
G-LR
13 9 15 21 – 58