3A Semifinal Recap: DeLaSalle 74, Mankato East 40

Top-ranked Minneapolis DeLaSalle scored a dominating win on Thursday at Target Center to advance to the title game for a chance at their fourth straight state championship.

The Islanders made the Cougars pay for nearly every turnover, outscoring East 14-0 on points off turnovers in the first half and 23-9 in the game. The Cougars had 15 turnovers to the Islanders' six. DeLaSalle led 37-22 by halftime.

Mankato East shot just 26 percent from the floor. DeLaSalle shot 53 percent. Marquette University recruit Sacar Anim led the Islanders with 27 points. Three others reached double figures. Mankato East was led by Gorg Alhag and CJ Ayers, with eight points apiece.

The Cougars out-rebounded the Islanders 39-33 and had 18 offensive rebounds. But the blanketing defensive pressure by DeLaSalle made every field goal attempt a challenge. The Islanders controlled the paint, with a 50-12 scoring advantage.

Mankato East, which finished fourth in the Big Nine Conference this season, will play in the third-place game Saturday afternoon. DeLaSalle plays Saturday night in the title game.

KDHL radio continues with its 67th consecutive year of baseline-to-baseline coverage of the state boys tournament with the semifinals on Thursday and Friday and all four title games on Saturday. Listen to coverage during week for clues to trivia questions to win prizes during championship coverage Saturday.