Lucas Gustafson (3) of Mankato East drives against Grant Hansen (11) of Orono in the second half Thursday at Williams Arena. (Carlos Gonzalez/The Minnesota Star Tribune)

A dynasty always has to face its end.

Class 3A will have a new champion this year after Alexandria beat three-time defending champion Totino-Grace 73-65 in the semifinals of the boys basketball state tournament Thursday at Williams Arena.

Chase Thompson, the Minnesota Star Tribune’s All-Minnesota Player of the Year, celebrated by framing his hands around his jersey’s red “Alex” as the game ended. The 6-8 senior forward scored a game-high 33 points — 22 in the tightly contested second half — and grabbed 12 rebounds.

For more on the Cardinals' victory, click here to read the story on startribune.com.

In the other Class 3A semifinal, Orono senior guard Nolan Groves stepped to the free-throw line with 2.9 seconds remaining, his Spartans trailing by two points.

Groves' first free throw bounced hard off the back of the rim. A look of disappointment showed on his face.

The miss allowed Mankato East to escape with the victory and return to the state championship game, where last season they lost 73-64 to Totino-Grace.

For more on the Cougars' victory, click here to read the story on startribune.com.

Class 3A bracket