he Sturgeon Bay Clippers gave the Algoma Wolves a strong challenge Tuesday night on the Wolves’ home court, but the home team eventually came away with a 59-51 victory, broadcast on U102.1.

 

The first half featured a back-and-forth battle, with each team taking turns leading and no advantage growing larger than five points. Sturgeon Bay won the opening tip, scored on the first possession and held the lead for much of the half, thanks in part to a strong performance by Ben Ash, who led the Clippers with 10 first-half points.

 

Algoma’s first lead came at 14-12. The Wolves did not hit a single 3-point shot in the first half, with Braeden Leist leading the team with 10 points. Algoma took a slim 23-22 lead into halftime and would receive the opening possession of the second half.

The duo of Leist and Parker Lischka made it difficult for the Clippers to fully catch up in the second half, as each scored in double figures after the break. Ben Ash and Rylan Ruenger also finished with double-digit second halves for Sturgeon Bay. Algoma led throughout the second half, with its advantage growing to as many as 11 points before shrinking back to a single point.

 

With the Wolves holding a four-point lead late, a key turning point came at the free-throw line, where Algoma had struggled throughout the night. Up to that point, the Wolves were 2-for-7 from the line. Charlie Prokash stepped to the line in a bonus situation and made both free throws, effectively sealing the win.

 

Lischka led the Wolves with 22 points, followed by Leist with 20 and Prokash with 10. The Clippers were led by Ash, who finished with 20 points, and Ruenger with 14.

Algoma hits the road Thursday for a matchup with Crivitz. Sturgeon Bay returns home Saturday evening to face the Gibraltar Vikings.