Staff report

MINSTER — The Botkins Trojans came from 10 points behind to send the game into overtime, then outscored the Minster Wildcats 4-1 in the extra session to pull out a 65-62 victory in non-league boys basketball action Monday night.

The win was a big one for the Trojans because it snapped a three-game losing streak. They are now 5-6 on the year heading into a County game Saturday at Russia.

The Wildcats, on a hectic schedule because of the football team’s success, fell to 3-4 on the year after their seventh game since Dec. 11. They have one more to play this month, Wednesday night at Van Wert.

Minster appeared to be in control, breaking away from an 18-16 lead in the opening quarter to a 10-point lead at the half. The Wildcats poured in 20 points in the second quarter, led by Jacob Stechschulte, who had a pair of threes and eight points in all in the period.

The margin was still 10 after three quarters at 50-40, but the Trojans came roaring back in the fourth quarter and outscored the Wildcats 21-11.

Nolan Greve was scoreless over the first three quarters, but got hot and scored eight of his 10 in the fourth quarter, and the other two in the overtime.

Chad Bergman, Botkins’ talented 6-foot-7 post man, dropped in 8 of 11 free throws in the game, including 6-for-6 in the first half. He finished with 12 and was one of four Trojans in double figures.

Erik Greve led the Trojans with 17 and Aaron Fullenkamp finished with 12 to go with Bergman and N. Greve.

Minster was led by Bryce Schmiesing, who had 18. Stechschulte and Peter Falk had 12 apiece.

Minster had 24 field goals to 21 for Botkins, including a 6-0 margin in three-pointers. But that wasn’t enough to overcome Botkins’ big advantage at the free throw line. The Trojans hit 23-for-33 for 70 percent, compared to just 8-for-18 for Minster, 44 percent.

Botkins won despite taking 31 fewer shots from the field. But the Trojans made up for it with outstanding shooting. They canned 21-for-36 for 58 percent compared to Minster hitting 24-for-67 for 36 percent.

Nolan Greve hit 5-for-6 from the floor and Fullenkamp 4-for-5. Fullenkamp was also 4-for-5 from the line.

Botkins also held a big edge on the boards, 33-23, with Bergman pulling down eight and Cameron Flora seven. Erik Greve had three assists to go with his 17 points.

Botkins (65) — Fullenkamp 12, E. Greve 17, Flora 6, L. Bergman 4, N. Greve 10, C. Bergman 16.

Minster (62) — Hoelscher 1, Schmiesing 18, Nixon 5, Stechschulte 12, Falk 12, Ernst 8, Tumbusch 6.

Score by quarters:

Botkins—16 28 40 61 65

Minster—18 38 50 61 62

Three-pointers: Botkins 0, Minster 6 (Schmiesing 3, Stechschulte 2, Tumbusch).

Records: Botkins 5-6, Minster 3-4.