MANSON-NW WEBSTER 40, OA-BCIG 31

Even while struggling with their shooting, the Manson-Northwest Webster Cougars found a formula that worked.

They rebounded, they played defense and they got to the free throw line -- just what they needed to avenge their only loss and advance to the Class 2A state championship game.

Second-ranked Manson-Northwest Webster found its free throw touch late in the game and beat No. 3 OA-BCIG 40-31 on Thursday for its 23rd straight victory. The Cougars haven't lost since falling to OA-BCIG 52-46 in the second game of the season and they'll have a chance to give the school its first state title in girls basketball at 8 p.m. Friday.

Lauren Christianson led the winners with 13 points, including 7-for-10 free throw shooting. Morgan Markert went 8-for-11 from the line in scoring 10 points, while Mika Rodewald added eight points and 11 rebounds.

The Cougars outrebounded OA-BCIG 42-29 and shot 32 free throws to four for the Falcons, who finish 21-4.

Katie Kallin led OA-BCIG with eight points. Jessie Pauley scored seven and grabbed eight rebounds. Christine Bloyer also had seven points for the Falcons.

Though getting to the line often, Manson-Northwest Webster missed 12 of its first 20 free throws. But the Cougars made them when they counted, sinking 10 of 12 in the final 5 1/2 minutes. Markert made six straight in the last 1:05.

Christianson's two free throws with 5:28 remaining put Manson-Northwest Webster ahead to stay at 30-29. Mackenzie Larson followed with a jumper to make it 32-29 and the Cougars scored the rest of their points on free throws.

Larson, who averages just 1.9 points, gave her team a nice lift, coming off the bench to make her first three shots and finish with six points.