Hurricanes hang on to win over Falcons

Last night, KFIL broadcasted the boy's basketball game between Fillmore Central and Houston. Great atmosphere in 'The Shelter'! After a two-point FC win over the holidays, we expected a great game. Things didn't play out as we thought however.  After a back-and-forth start, the Hurricanes heated up, and went into the locker room up 41-18. Two 'Canes were already in double figures- Austin Peplinski with 15 and James Loken with 11. Fillmore Central was down, but certainly not out. The Falcons started the second half on a 12-0 run, quickly cutting the lead to 11. Houston was able to maintain the double-digit lead until about six minutes left. The Falcons continued to chip away, cutting the deficit to six with just over two to go. Houston knocked down just enough free throws to hang on, as a three at the buzzer closed the final margin to five. The final score was 68-63, with Houston earning a split of the season series.

The “Player of the Game” award for FC went to Sam Rustad. Sam had a lot of quality shots for the Falcons and ended with a team-high 19 points, with a dozen in the second half. He was 4-5 from the free throw line, and grabbed a couple rebounds. For Houston, the award went to Austin Peplinski. Austin, who is now just three points away from the 1,000 point milestone, added 13 to his first half output for a 28-point performance in leading the 'Canes to the victory. He hit four three-pointers, went a perfect 8-8 at the charity stripe, and had 2 rebounds, 2 assists, and 3 steals.

The “Game Ball” was awarded to James Loken of Houston. James had a double-double scoring 15 (5 of 7 FT) and grabbing 11 rebounds. James was a steady presence in the paint for the Hurricanes.

Our scheduled game tonight- girl's basketball with Le Roy-Ostrander at Grand Meadow, has been postponed with the L-O schools closing for the day. Next up now is another trip to 'The Shelter' on Thursday for girl's hoops with FC and Houston again! Pregame 7pm on KFIL & kfilradio.com.

Photo credit: Rick Madonik, Getty Images