ZEELAND, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – With just under four minutes to play the Tornadoes held a nine point lead over Strasburg/Zeeland. A couple minutes later, they found themselves down one with just over a minute left and were able to pull out a hard earned 56-53 victory Monday night.

The two teams battled back and forth for the first half exchanging leads. After the half, the Tornadoes built up two separate nine point leads and it still came down to the free throws during the final minute.

Although Oakes missed a handful of those crucial free throws, the Tornadoes were devastating on the offensive glass for most of the game and down the stretch.

Steele Hansen was the leading scorer with a game high 22 points. Hansen grabbed a couple key offensive boards in the final minute to help seal the win as well. Drew Dethlefsen added 14 points in the win.

Leading scorers for the Clippers were Mac Cramer and Alex Scherr with 13 points.

The Tornadoes will return to Oakes for a four game home stand starting this Saturday against Medina-Pingree/Buchanan.