By Robert Jeffrey

Sun Sports Contributor

Cameron Turner Photo

SHERBURNE – The Sherburne-Earlville boys basketball team faced some fierce competition in the Central Valley Thunder on Friday, and with the outcome still hanging in the balance in the wee minutes of the contest – the Marauders were aided by the gusto of senior Matt Hull who buried some huge free-throws for S-E in their 73-69 victory on February 3.

The first two periods of the contest were the two lowest scoring quarters for both teams. The visiting Thunder drew first blood on the hometown Marauders stretching their lead out to five points before S-E responded. But, Sherburne-Earlville was able to shut down the Thunder offense limiting them to zero points after the half-way point of the first quarter. By the end of first quarter action, the Marauders took the lead 13-11 entering the second eight minutes of action.

The Thunder sought revenge in the second period, but the Marauders controlled the beginning part of the period. The Thunder made things interesting down the stretch- tying the ballgame at 25 with 1:05 left to play. Fortunately for S-E, they scored the final four points of the half – heading to the locker room with the 29-25 lead.