Boys basketball: Big second half lifts Rosemount past Burnsville

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When the Rosemount boys basketball team beat Burnsville last week, it was a relief for the Irish.

After losing six games in a row and nine of 10, a one-point road win was just what Rosemount needed.

Irish coach Bryan Schnettler enjoyed some positivity, but also was busy looking at the big picture.

“Our turnovers were still way too high, but we were able to pull it out,” Schnettler said. “It felt good to be on the other side of a close game. Realistically, I didn’t feel like we played that well.

“It was definitely a good win for us. Obviously, we’re happy to be on that side of it.”

Rosemount snapped its losing streak with a 50-49 win last week at Burnsville, but followed with a 65-53 road loss at Lakeville North.

The Irish (5-11, 2-6 South Suburban) hope to build on the Burnsville victory and put the loss to the Panthers behind them quickly.

The second half against the Blaze offered the best point for optimism.

Rosemount trailed 26-23 at halftime, but came through in the second half to pull out the victory. The Irish had 20 turnovers, but helped to overcome them by shooting 47.7 percent from the field.

“We played good defense,” Schnettler said. “They’re a very good defensive team and they caused some of those turnovers. At the same time, we forced a lot of them on our own.

“We did shoot better and that’s nice to see. We have been better the last two or three weeks.”

Matt Nelson was the only Rosemount scorer in double figures with 20 points. He added four rebounds and four blocks.

Jeff Ruhl and Evan Mitchell each scored seven points.

However, the Irish couldn’t keep the momentum going against Lakeville North.

“It was pretty disappointing with the effort we had on Friday night, but we still have 10 games left in the year,” Schnettler said. “The point’s been made and guys know what they need to do. It’s up to them to make it happen now.”

The Irish trailed early and faced a 35-19 halftime deficit as the Panthers hit nine 3-pointers in the first half.

“Some of it was their shooting and some of it was us not guarding well,” Schnettler said. “It’s tough. I think at one point they made five in a row. More than anything it gets their crowd into it, they start to feel good about themselves and when you feel good you’re a better defender and you’re better on offense.

“We fought back in the second half and it seems it takes us to get down, to fight that hard.”

Rosemount closed within five points in the second half, but couldn’t get closer. Kevin Larson led the team with 13 points. Brandon Forcier scored nine points.

The Irish play host to Bloomington Jefferson tomorrow night.

Tags: sports, rosemount, irish, prep, basketball