The Luverne Cardinals boys’ basketball team continued its strong start to the 2021 campaign on Tuesday, Feb. 2, with a 76-72 home victory over Redwood Valley.
Gannon Ahrendt started the game off with a bang for the Cardinals by knocking down a three-pointer on the first possession of the game.
A pair of Bailey Cowell buckets put the Cardinals up 7-2.
With Luverne holding a 9-2 lead, Redwood Valley went on a 9-1 run to take an 11-10 lead.
Luverne answered by going on an 8-0 run to take an 18-11 lead.
At the half Luverne led Redwood Valley 38-30.
Luverne held off Redwood Valley in the second half to pick up a Big South Conference victory 76-72.
Ahrendt finished with a team-leading 28 points. The sophomore also grabbed seven rebounds and recorded three steals.
Cowell finished with 19 points. The senior guard also dished out six assists and recorded five steals.
Ethan Beyer reached double figures with 10 points.
Nathaniel Cole-Kraty and Jayson Rops each grabbed six rebounds.
With the win the Cardinals improved to 5-1 with their lone loss against the Marshall Tigers, who are ranked in the Top 10.
The Cardinals will be back in action on Tuesday, Feb. 9, when they host Pipestone Area.