A late-season slump has mired the Detroit Lakes boys' basketball team in a six-game losing streak and a 6-15 record.
The Lakers' 54-43 loss in Staples-Motley Friday also slipped DL under .500 in the Mid-State Conference at 4-5, while another thud was heard Tuesday Ralph Anderson Gym, resulting from a 68-46 defeat to Alexandria.
A late first-half run by Alexandria separated the two teams enough to create good momentum for the Cardinals, enabling them to open the floor up to start the second half.
DL converted just four points in the final nine minutes of the first half, while Alexandria netted 10 points to take a 27-18 lead heading into the locker room.
Laker guard Adam Thielen opened the second half with a jumper to pull DL back to 27-20, but Alexandria started its transition game to go on a 16-4 run, including two three pointers by Cardinal guard Michael Hendricks.
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That gave Alexandria a comfortable 43-22 edge, which was more than enough to keep DL at bay for the rest of the game.
Alexandria had well spread out scoring, with three players hitting double digits. Justin Larson went for 18 points, while David Lovrien had 14 and Hendricks 12.
Thielen netted a game-high 24 points, followed by junior guard Nils Thomsen's seven.
The Lakers have been plagued by poor shooting, hitting just 35.8 percent of their shots versus Alexandria, and just 26 percent in their game Friday against Staples-Motley.
"You don't win too many games when you shoot 26 percent from the field," said DL head coach Wade Johnson.
The Lakers held advantages in just about every other category, except the scoreboard.
A close 20-19 S-M margin at halftime widened in the second half, as DL went cold from the floor and the Cardinals outscored the Lakers by 10 points, 34-24, to take the 54-43 win.
Thomsen had 15 points and 12 boards, while forward Matt Kensinger had a season-high 10 points.
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Derek Orth paced the Cardinals with 17 points and 11 rebounds.
The Lakers will look for a streak-snapping victory at home against Park Rapids Friday, beginning at 7:30 p.m.
Laker results
Alexandria at Detroit Lakes, Tuesday, Feb. 21.
Cardinals 27 41 - 68
Lakers 18 28 - 46
DL: Adam Thielen 24, Nils Thomsen 7, Jarod Griffith 5, Brock Bormann 5, Mike Bordsho 2, Matt Kensinger 2, Dustin Long 1.
Alex: Justin Larson 18, David Lovrien 14, Michael Hendricks 12, Eric Hartmann 9, Chris Conley 8, Tanner Tetrick 3, Derek Ludwig 2, Garret Hoeper 2.
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Detroit Lakes at Staples-Motley, Friday, Feb. 17.
Lakers 19 24 - 43
Cardinals 20 34 - 54
DL: Thomsen 15, Kensinger 10, Thielen 8, Marly Simmons 3, Griffith 3, Long 2, Chris Gilson 2.
SM: Derek Orth 17, Caleb Nurnberger 9, Matt Edin 9, Josiah Fuhrman 7, Jordan Riewer 5, Jose Alba 4, Derek Wolhowe 3.
