The Becker boys basketball team is nearing the playoffs, as this past week was the final stretch of the regular season.

Last Thursday, the Dogs fell to M8 Conference leading Monticello, 62-74.

The Bulldogs jumped to an early 12-10 lead as Troy Nuest hit a long three, Bryce Paumen added an offensive rebound and Landon Peterson and Sawyer Brown each grabbed steals and hit jump shots.

Halfway through the opening period, Monticello went on an 18-2 run that stymied the Bulldogs’ efforts.

Becker’s long range shooting was off all night, as the Dogs hit just five for the game and scored just 23 points in the opening half.

Nuest started the second half with another three point shot and after buckets by Paumen and Brown, the Bulldogs were trying to find a way back into the game.  Another Magic run extended their lead before Becker found its moxie.

Peterson grabbed a rebound and blocked a shot before Nathan Weiss hit a three.  Brown then found the hoop and the Bulldogs were within seven points, down 50-57.

But the Magic held on down the stretch to seal the win.

Brown and Paumen led the team with 17 points apiece, while Paumen added 14 rebounds.  Weiss led the team with five assists.

Wildcats

Tuesday night, Becker hosted Chisago Lakes and the Dogs came away with their 16th win of the season, 93-69.

It was Senior Night for the program, as Coach Cory Nuest and the coaching staff and players honored Denlan Harmoning, Mitch Soltau, Hunter Youngdahl and Alex Kinney.

Youngdahl made it count early, as he hit a pair of threes early to bring the crowd to their feet.  Kinney and Harmoning also made the most of their starts, each hitting nice corner threes to electrify the crowd further.  And just like that, the seniors had led the Bulldogs to an early 12-5 lead.

From there, the Bulldogs would cruise to the victory in a game where Nuest cited his team’s effort.

Brown led all scorers with 28 points, while Paumen added 21.  Soltau, the senior, added 14 points.

The win finished up the M8 Conference schedule for Becker, as they finished 12-4 and in second place behind Monticello.

Friday night, Becker was scheduled to finish up the regular season with a visit to Annandale to take on the 15-10 Cardinals, who are tied for second place in the Wright County Conference.