LaCrosse Aquinas, the top-ranked team in Wisconsin Division III, wasn't making any excuses.  Just hours after playing a rugged game against rival LaCrosse Central back home in Wisconsin, the Blugolds (15-1) jumped on the bus and made the trek to St. Cloud Tech for the 5th annual Border Battle.  Despite tired legs and a short night, Aquinas battled past St. Cloud Cathedral, 71-64.

"We just felt like we had to go out and play our game and do the things that we do well," said Aquinas coach Rick Schneider.  "The kids were tired, though, and we had an emotional conference game last night.  It's a little bit tougher to get going in that situation.

"But you have to turn it into a business trip and get the win regardless, whether it's pretty or not."

Sophomore point guard Bronson Koenig certainly had a picturesque game.  The silky smooth D1 recruit scored a game-high 26 points, showing off a big range of offensive skills.  He was joined in double-figures by guard Michael Conway (18 points) and forward Jimmy Ancius (16 points).

Cathedral (10-7) was paced by guards Joe Burt (23 points) and Bjorn Bjorklund (20), who combined to hit six three-pointers.  Burt, the point guard and catalyst of the offense, kept the Crusaders close much of the game before Aquinas pulled away late.

The game was tied at 32-all at intermission, as Koenig hit a runner at the buzzer to erase the Crusaders' lead.

"This was our third Friday-Saturday (game) in a row," said Schneider.  "You don't always execute perfectly, but you find a way to get it done."

Bronson Koenig, LaCrosse Aquinas
Koenig, a 6-foot-2 sophomore point guard, looked like a veteran on the court Saturday afternoon as he poured in a game-high 26 points as the Blugolds beat St. Cloud Cathedral, 71-64.  The smooth youngster is already rumored to have been offered scholarships by Marquette and Wisconsin -- as well as several other possible big-name suitors.  It's easy to see why, as he's calm on the court and has great physical skills.

St. Cloud Cathedral: Burt 23, Bjorklund 20, Rucks 11, B. Schmit 6, N. Schmit 2, Vierzba 2.

LaCrosse Aquinas: Koenig 26, Conway 18, Ancius 16, Pederson 6, McCartney 2, Vegel 2.

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