However, it was the Bengals who got off to a hot start, despite the Huskies keeping it close. Blaine got to the line early and often as well, thanks to junior guard Alvin Payne, who finished the game 8-for-14 on his free throws.  

Later in the first half Andover countered, consistently driving at the basket. Musungu and fellow senior Ben Kopetzki dominated the Huskies’ possessions, and to good effect. The two guards combined for 18 free throws on the night, making 14 of them.  

By the time halftime rolled around, the Huskies had the lead back at 48-44. But Blaine was persistent with its own defensive pressure, which led to stoppages and fouls built up for both teams.  

“The ball usually comes through us (Musungu and Kopetzki) and then we dish out to our shooters,” Musungu said. “Knowing I have a shooter (like Ben) who’s going to get a bucket automatically, just means I can find more space and I can get that easy layup.”  

That guard combination was a real difference-maker Tuesday night, especially in the second half. Right from the half’s opening whistle, Andover made Blaine uncomfortable with relentless energy in the paint.  

These efforts led to a major 54-point second half for the Huskies, which pushed the game out of the Bengals’ reach.  

“(Intensity) is one of the main things in practice,” Musungu said. “It’s what (coach Jeremy Hable) drills in us. And it shows on the court when we run up the score and get those easy steals.” 

Despite the overwhelming defensive effort, Blaine senior Ryan Bohlman still had himself a night. He was efficient offensively, shooting 10-for-16 from the field, and finished with a team-high 25 points.  

It was his effort, along with Payne and senior forward Zach Schusted, that kept the game close until the final seven minutes. But the energy never stopped from Andover, and that juice was enough to give the Huskies a quality win.