IKM-MANNING 55, TIPTON 34

Third-ranked IKM-Manning used balanced scoring and two big runs to pass its first test in the Class 2A tournament.

Bailey Halbur led three players in double figures with 13 points as IKM-Manning overcame a shaky start to beat No. 7 Tipton 55-34 on Monday night.

The Wolves were trailing 21-20 late in the second quarter when they started to turn it around. They put together a 15-2 run spanning halftime to open a 35-23 lead, Halbur capping that burst with five straight points.

After Tipton drew to 36-30 on a driving shot by Alicia Goetz, IKM-Manning came back with 13 straight points to put it out of reach. Halbur had five points in that stretch.

IKM-Manning got a big lift from freshman Tember Schechinger, who came off the bench to contribute 12 points, eight rebounds, four assists, three steals and two blocks. Drake recruit Katie Schechinger added another 12 points and eight rebounds for the Wolves.

Nicole Royer had a solid game for Tipton with 10 points, 12 rebounds, six blocks and three steals. Katelyn DeWulf scored seven points for the Tigers.

IKM-Manning made missed nine of its 12 shots in the first quarter and turned the ball over nine times in that period. But the Wolves steadied and had only eight more turnovers the rest of the way. They shot 48 percent in the second half and finished with 15 steals.

IKM-Manning will take a 24-2 record into a semifinal game against Manson-NW Webster at noon on Thursday. Tipton lost for just the second time in 26 games.

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