MANKATO — Taylor Fautsch hit a free throw with 4.4 seconds remaining in overtime, helping Rochester John Marshall girls basketball team start its season with a 64-63 Big Nine Conference victory over Mankato East on Tuesday night.
"It was a back-and-forth game the last five minutes of regulation, and both teams made some nice plays," JM coach Phil Schroeder said. "There were some nice defensive stops, too. In overtime, it was very similar. Both teams had leads."
Seven different players scored for the Rockets.
"We had great ball movement, and some kids who hadn't played a lot of varsity minutes really stepped up and played well," Schroeder said. "East is much improved, so we felt fortunate to get out of there with a win."
Jamie Ruden paced the Rockets with 20 points, while Jessie Ruden chipped in 16.
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For East, 6-foot-4 center Allison Taylor scored 24 points.
JM led 28-20 at halftime, and it was 56-all at the end of regulation. Both teams finished with seven 3-pointers.
The Rockets return to action Thursday at home against Albert Lea. They're at the Breakdown Showcase on Saturday in Hopkins against White Bear Lake.
JM 64, East 63 OT
JOHN MARSHALL (64)
Kami Haider 5, Abby Gee 6, Jessie Ruden 16, Rachael Ojeikhodion 6, Taylor Fautsch 5, Jamie Ruden 20, Nicole Fautsch 6.
MANKATO EAST (63)
Natalie Schisel 1, Torey Richards 17, Shayla Karge 8, Makayla Hager 10, Taylor Kuechle 3, Allison Taylor 24.
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Halftime:JM 28, EAST 20.
Regulation:JM 56, EAST 56.
Free throws:JM 7-10, EAST16-23
Three-point goals:JM 7, EAST 7.
