International Falls had one of its worst games of the season last year at Fort Frances.
The Broncos made sure it wasn’t going to happen again Tuesday in a 62-45 win against the Muskies at the Falls High Gym.
“Defense kept us in the game. That’s why we preach it all the time,” Broncos head coach Derek Dowty said.
The Falls shot only 37 percent from the field (25-for-68), including 1-for-11 from downtown, but they held a 27-14 advantage at half thanks to the defense. They also finished a brutal 11 of 21 from the free-throw line.
“Their defense got to us,” said Muskies head coach Paul Noonan, whose team crushed the Broncos 63-35 last season in Fort Frances.
Nick Bujold and Gunnar Anderson led the undefeated Broncos (6-0) with 16 points apiece, while Trevar Carlson added eight points and five assists. Andre McMillion had seven points and four steals. The Broncos improve to 14-3 all time against Fort Frances.
Justin Anderson scored a game-high 21 points for the Muskies (8-2), who are 2-0 with two lopsided victories in league play. Noonan loves the competition across the river.
“It’s a good test for our guys to come out and play tough teams like this,” he said.
Josh Strain added 11 points and Caleb McIntosh scored eight points for Fort Frances.
International Falls opens 2011 with a home game against Virginia.
