The Becker boys basketball team is just one win away from the M8 title after reeling off three more conference wins last week.  

Becker went into Thursday night’s game against Monticello with an undefeated M8 Conference record, while the Magic had one loss.  The Bulldogs’ last conference title was in 1997.  Full results of the conference title tilt in next week’s Patriot.

Vs. Hornets

Last Tuesday, Becker dominated their Hwy. 10 rivals, playing exceptional defense to down the Hornets, 82-52.

The Hornets came into the game averaging 81 points per game, but Becker coach Cory Nuest had a simple message for his troops: we win on defense.

“I was very proud of our effort and intensity on defense,” said Nuest. “That mindset carried over to our offense as well, where we played unselfishly and trusted each other.”

Becker finished with 28 assists and only eight turnovers in a complete team performance.

Senior leaders Nathan Weiss and Bryce Paumen were dominant throughout the night in securing double-doubles, as Weiss poured in 28 points and added 10 boards, while Paumen scored 24 points and grabbed 14 rebounds.  

Troy Nuest provided a major spark with 13 points, eight assists, and four steals, giving Becker a boost on both ends of the floor. Seniors Saul Kreft, Nolan Burau, and Owen Reinking also played excellent minutes off of the bench. 

Vs. Wildcats

Last Thursday, Becker caught fire from beyond the arc, hitting 19 shots from long range to secure an 81-36 win over Chisago Lakes.

“The boys were hot from three and having fun,” said Coach Nuest. “They did a great job sharing the ball and taking what the defense gave them. Personally, I enjoyed the 38 points allowed even more — our defensive effort was outstanding.”

Nathan Weiss led the way with 26 points while also contributing four assists. Senior Saul Kreft put forth one of his best performances in a Bulldog jersey, knocking down multiple threes en route to his 12 point performance. 

Isiah Boyer chipped in 14 points and six assists, while Paumen added eight points. Troy Nuest finished with eight points and four assists, while Owen Reinking added eight points.

Vs. Tigers

Becker stayed undefeated in the M8 last Friday with a 74-66 win over Princeton in a game that was part of the Coaches verus Cancer series.

The team played a determined game in an emotional atmosphere, as they were also raising money for the Prokott family.

“I knew this was going to be a tough game,” he said. “It was our third game of the week, and Princeton was coming off a loss. I knew they would be hungry to try to hand us our first conference loss.” 

Becker trailed by as many as 10 points in the first half, but from there, the Bulldogs leaned on composure, connection, and quality possessions to flip the momentum.

“Our guys did a great job coming together, showing composure, and executing down the stretch,” Nuest said.

Boyer, Weiss, and Paumen delivered several huge offensive plays late, while Troy Nuest provided scrappy on-ball defense and timely stops to spark the comeback. Weiss scored 24 points to pace Becker, while Paumen was right behind with 22 points and nine rebounds.

Boyer (four assists) and Nuest (five assists) each scored 13 points to give Becker four players in double figures.

The team continues its assault on the Bulldogs’ career record book, as Troy Nuest now has 155 career steals for the Bulldogs.  Paumen also recently captured the lead in all-time rebounding for the program with 583 boards, while Weiss has taken the lead with 321 assists.