The boys basketball postseason began Monday evening as PCM traveled to Story City to take on East Marshall. In a battle of two teams called the Mustangs, it was PCM coming away with a 43-24 win in a game aired live on KRLS3. Neither team was able to sustain much of a rhythm throughout the first half, as PCM took a 19-15 lead into the locker room.

While East Marshall was unable to gain much momentum offensively, PCM picked up the pace as the second half went on, holding East Marshall to just nine second half points. Head Coach Fred Lorensen says it was his team’s defense that set things apart in the second half, and that it was good to finally get back in the win column after a five-game skid.

“It was good to see us start to make some baskets in the second half. In the first half it was hard for either team to score. I thought we won the game because of how we played defense, we made it tough for them the whole game, they didn’t get many good looks, we did a good job of keeping it away from their big kids inside, and got challenges on their shooters for the most part, and did exactly what we were trying to do on that end. Jason [Stafford] hit a big three to start us in the second half. Gatlin [Boell] had some nice finishes in the second half, attacking the back side of the zone. Just a really nice win, we needed that. We’ve been really frustrated these last couple weeks for us, and nice to get one of these and win it.”

Gatlin Boell led the way with 13 points while Jason Stafford added 11. PCM moves to 12-10 on the season, and advances to the district semifinals. They’ll take on Des Moines Christian Thursday evening in Urbandale, a game that will air as part of a postseason doubleheader on 92.1 KRLS.