Jackson County Central led by 15 points at halftime and stayed in front throughout the second half on the way to 74-65 consolation semifinal win over Pelican Rapids on Thursday night in the Minnesota State Class 2A Boys Basketball Tournament.
A pair of baskets from Roman Voss put the Huskies ahead 11-9 six minutes into the opening half, and JCC would stay on a roll from there. A three-point play by Weaton Rowe made it a 24-14 advantage with a little more than eight minutes remaining before halftime, and the Huskies continued to build their lead up until the break. Rowe completed the first 18 minutes with 12 points, while Voss had 10 and Grant Freking eight.
Pelican Rapids got within seven of JCC in the early stages of the second half, but the Huskies went on a 9-0 burst to put the score at 57-41. JCC was never seriously threatened the rest of the way as it improved to 22-8 on the year. Voss finished the night with 22 points, Rowe had 20 and Freking 12. Rowe and Freking each contributed seven rebounds, and Freking also passed for six assists. Pelican Rapids dropped to 24-7.
With the victory, JCC moved into the fifth-place game, which was scheduled for 2 p.m. today The Huskies will take on Pequot Lakes, which is 27-5 on the year.
