The Bulldogs were their worst enemy Thursday, falling victim to some sloppy floor play. It resulted in a series of Milaca bursts where they quickly chewed into Becker leads.

 

But the Bulldogs  put the peddle to the medal on several occasions to subdue a pesky Milaca Wolves team, 81-73.

 

Led by Senior guard Lukas Dertinger’s 15 points, Becker had very balanced scoring - seven players had significant scoring roles in the game.

 

Nick Mittlesteadt chipped in with 12 and Sam Ricker had 11. Caleb Quernemoen had nine; Cole Callahan, eight; Brandon Gustafson, seven; Gabe Lindbom, six; and Bryce Boser and Justin Kringler, four apiece.

 

The scoring by Becker was evenly-balanced throughout, and led by a three-some of treys by Quernemoen in the first half. Callahan chipped in with three layins and jumpers from inside and Becker was off to a 40-35 intermission lead.

 

Becker faced difficulties with the Wolves’ fullcourt press, however, and turned the ball over several times, allowing Milaca right back into the game.

 

A 13-5 lead melted into a 13-10 score, courtesy of two quick turnovers for Milaca baskets.

 

The Bulldogs spurted again, however, then Milaca countersurged to tie it at 33 just minutes before the half. As time expired Quernemoen nailed one of his threes, giving the Bulldogs their five-point margin.

 

At the opening of the second half, it was more of the same. Gustafson put one in from underneath, then Dertinger hit a rainbow three and Becker was up, 48-35.

 

The teams traded surges until Dertinger and Boser hit short jumpers and Becker appeared to be comfortable at 67-54.

 

Three minutes later, the Wolves had climbed to within 67-64 - and things were tight.

 

Gustafson spent a lot of time on the bench due to aggressive play. He left the game with his third fall before intermission, then was out for good with his fifth with 4:15 remaining.

 

But the Bulldog reserves held their own, managing a 10-point margin throughout the final minutes. Key scorers during that interim were Sam Ricker and Mittelsteadt, who drove for several baskets. The game was finally put out of reach at 78-67 by Ricker’s three-spot from the corner.

 

Milaca had four players scoring in double figures, led by Cade Sorenson and Dylan Ash, each with 16. Peyton Rothanburg had 12; Logan Molacek had 11.

 

Becker visits Alexandria tonight (Saturday, returns home to host Zimmerman Tuesday, then travels to Little Falls Friday.