MANKATO — Rochester Century played strong defense for one half but couldn't sustain it in a 71-59 loss to Mankato East to close the regular season Thursday night.
Century had a one-point lead at the break, but Mankato East recovered in the second half to win on its home court.
Century closed the regular season with an 11-13 record, after 7-3 start, and 8-10 in the Big Nine Conference. The Panthers lost seven of their last nine games.
Century will open the Section 1AAAA tournament Wednesday but the opponent and site are to be determined. The seedings will be made over the weekend.
Mankato East 71, Century 59
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CENTURY (59)
Alice Zumbrunnen 2, Stephanie Murray 2, Kanani Asuncion 6, Maggie Pumper 7, Morgan Hartman 5, Kelsey Braatz 8, Mallory Cochran 19, Bethany Schultz 8.
Other stats:Cochran 7 rebounds, 2 steals; Braatz 5 rebounds, 3 assist, 3 steals; Hartman 5 rebounds, 5 assists.
MANKATO EAST (71)
Coley Ries 18, Minisha Childress-Frederick 17, Emmaline Crawford 2, Abby Connell 2, Grace Benzkofer 3, Claire Ziegler 10, Kelsey Mosher 13.
Halftime: CENT 28, ME 27.
Free throws: CENT 9-15, ME 8-14.
Three-point goals: CENT 2 (Hartman 1, Pumper 1), ME 5 (Ries 4, Fredrick 1).
