News Summary

In a thrilling semifinals contest, Mankato East Cougars narrowly defeated Orono Spartans 64-62 at Williams Arena. Ganden Gosch led with 16 points, while Nolan Groves scored 31 for Orono in a nail-biting finish that saw a series of last-minute plays. Mankato East is now on a quest for their first state championship after achieving a remarkable winning streak.

Mankato East Cougars Edge Orono Spartans in a Nail-Biter

In a basketball showdown that kept fans on the edge of their seats, the Mankato East Cougars managed to secure a thrilling victory against the Orono Spartans with a final score of 64-62 in the 2025 Minnesota high school boys basketball state tournament semifinals. This exciting game took place at the iconic Williams Arena, and what a game it was!

Strong Start & Early Lead

Right from the tip-off, it was clear that both teams were eager to make their mark. However, Orono stumbled out of the gate, struggling with their shooting as they started just 1-for-6 from the field. After four minutes, it was Mankato East that led 6-2. The Cougars continued to build momentum, establishing an 11-5 lead with about 10:43 left in the first half.

As the game progressed, Mankato East displayed their prowess, dominating the boards and executing their plays effectively. But the Spartans weren’t ready to roll over just yet! With 7:43 remaining in the half, Orono rallied and managed to trim the lead to just three points at 16-13.

By the end of the first half, Mankato East held a 27-21 advantage. Ganden Gosch led the Cougars with 12 points, while Orono’s Nolan Groves kept his team alive with 10 points. However, it was evident that both teams were having a hard time scoring, as Mankato East shot just 31.3% and Orono lagged behind at 29.2%. The Cougars also benefited from their exceptional ball-handling, committing just one turnover compared to the Spartans’ seven in the first half.

A Tense Second Half

The second half kicked off with the Cougars leading 44-34 after a red-hot start that witnessed them making 6 of their first 8 shots. Orono was not about to give up, however. They mounted a comeback with a 7-2 run, entirely composed of free throws, narrowing the gap to 46-41 with 10:51 remaining on the clock.

The tension tightened significantly in the closing moments of the game. With just 1:43 left in regulation, Nolan Groves came up big for Orono and tied the game at 62, sending the crowd into a frenzy that echoed throughout the arena.

As fate would have it, Groves found himself at the free-throw line with only 2 seconds remaining after being fouled while driving to the basket. Unfortunately, he missed the crucial first free throw. Orono attempted an intentionally missed second free throw to facilitate a rebound and a second-chance bucket, but the plan backfired, failing to hit the rim altogether.

That led to Mankato East securing possession and, with a well-executed strategy, they were able to run out the clock. Gosch, who had a phenomenal game, connected with junior teammate Amari Nobles and orchestrated the final seconds just perfectly.

Outstanding Performances

In a game filled with nail-biting moments, stand-out performances were aplenty. Ganden Gosch not only steered Mankato East to victory by scoring 16 points but also played a crucial role in the final moments of the game. Other notable contributors included Lucas Gustafson, who netted 15 points, and Brogan Madson, who provided 12 points along with 9 assists.

Meanwhile, for Orono, all eyes were on Nolan Groves, who led all scorers with a remarkable 31 points. His performance may have been commendable, but it wasn’t enough for the Spartans, who fought valiantly all game long.

Looking Ahead

With this victory, Mankato East is eyeing their first state championship after being runners-up the previous year. The Cougars have been on fire, boasting an incredible 28-game winning streak leading into the championship game. As fans from both teams leave the arena filled with excitement and anticipation, it’s safe to say this is a game that will be talked about for years to come!

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