GRAND ISLAND – The last couple road games for Lexington have been too close for comfort. The Minutemaids were on the road for the first time since beating Holdrege for the first time in five years.

 The shooting has been difficult on the road for the Maids this season, suffering losses at the hands of Pius on the road due to poor shooting.

 Tuesday night was a huge setback for the Maids, as they saw their five-game winning streak end at the hands of Grand Island Northwest, as they downed Lexington 48-43.

 The Maids found themselves down after the first quarter, trailing by two 13-11. The second quarter was a nightmare for Lex as they were held to a season-low four points, but the defense kept them alive, holding Northwest to only six points and trailed 19-15 at the half.

 The third quarter has been Lexington’s strong point this season, but it wasn’t Tuesday, as Northwest extended their lead to seven by the end of three, taking a 31-24 lead. Lexington fought tooth and nail to get back in the game, but had no answer, as Northwest pulled off the upset.

 Junior Hailey Mandelko led the Maids scoring, putting in a game-high 17 points. Senior Bridget Seberger complimented her, scoring 10 points in the loss. Freshman Casey Seberger chipped in with eight points.

 For Northwest, they were led by three Vikings who scored in double figures, as Emily Jones scored 16, Taylor Johnson had 14 and Kyla Havranek scored 10 points.

 The loss for Lexington sets them back to 11-4 on the season, while Northwest improves to a game past .500 at 7-6

 “We just didn’t play very well,” Head coach Randy Carpenter said. “When you get out-rebounded 32-16, and shoot 31 percent from the field, it doesn’t make a winning formula. Hopefully, we will respond and get ready to play two good games this weekend.”

 The Minutemen were looking to avenge their one point loss to the Vikings earlier in the season. Head coach Eric Young was looking to get after the Vikings, after the Minutemen upset previously No. 9 McCook.

 The Minutemen seem to have a rhythm going, as the boys got their payback, defeating Northwest on the road 58-54 in overtime.

 The game never got out of control, as the Minutemen took a 13-11 lead after the first quarter. The Vikings were able to cut the lead down to a point before halftime, as the Minutemen lead 27-26.

 The second half was much of the same, as both teams slugged it out and Northwest was able to tie the game up at the end of the third, 39-39.

 Northwest carried a three-point lead going into the final minutes of the ball game. Junior Tyler McKeone hit one of two free throws to cut the lead. On the miss, senior Hawken Albus was able to snag the rebound. The Minutemen were able to work up a play and senior R.J. Seberger worked some of his late game magic to sink the tying shot with less that four second remaining.

 Northwest called a timeout, but couldn’t get the desperation shot to go, sending the game into overtime. Lexington is familiar with overtime games this season, as the Minutemen won their only other overtime game this season. The Minutemen are a master of the close game and were able to outscore the Vikes 11-7 in the extra period to take the four point win.

 “Last year we were in the same situation, so it’s a different year and a different confidence,” said Young. “ We’ve been in enough close games this year where we don’t panic and I got to give the kids credit because they play hard no matter what the score is.”

 Lexington’s win improves their record to 9-6, which equals their total for most wins over .500 all season at three games. Northwest falls to 3-10 with the loss.

 The Lexington teams were at home Friday night, taking on Grand Island Central Catholic and are at Aurora on Saturday. Full story, photos and stats will be in the Feb. 10 issue of the Clipper-Herald.

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