After a slow start, and a 10-point deficit early in the second half, Lakeville North executed down the stretch to defeat Buffalo 59-47 in Wednesday’s Class 4A quarterfinal matchup at the Target Center.

Finding their rhythm late, the Panthers caught fire in the second half, after shooting just 30.8 percent from the field before halftime. Senior guard J.P. Macura led the way for Lakeville North going 8-for-21 from the field and scoring 23 points.

“I give them a lot of credit, they forced me to take a lot of tough shots. In the second half, I was able to get to the hoop a little bit more,” Macura said.
Lakeville North coach John Oxton knew his team needed to regain its composure. 

“We were just settling for shooting whatever shot without working very hard to get a better shot,” Oxton said. “They had a great defensive plan, they were going to slow down J.P. … Guys stepped up and made plays.”

Key 3-pointers from Alex Reiland and Stewart Drew trimmed Buffalo’s advantage and gave the Panthers (25-5) new life midway through the second half. After that, a pair of free throws, a defensive rebound and a quick jumper by Macura gave the Panthers a lead they would not relinquish in the final 4 minutes and 42 seconds.

Collin Olmscheid led the Bison (23-7) with 18 points, going 3-for-4 from the free-throw line. Levi Bean scored 10 points and Jonathan Senger added nine points.

DAVID HOUFEK

After a slow start, and a 10-point deficit early in the second half, Lakeville North executed down the stretch to advance, 59-47 over Buffalo in Wednesday’s Class 4A quarterfinal matchup at the Target Center.

J.P. Macura led the way for Lakeville North, going 8-for-21 from the field and scoring 23 points. 

Finding their rhythm late, the Panthers caught fire in the second half after shooting just 30.8 percent from the field before halftime.

Connor Flack finished with 11 rebounds for the Panthers.

Check back later for more on the game.