PCM’s boys’ basketball squad will move on to the next round of the playoffs after knocking off Chariton Monday 74-38, a game that was broadcast on 92.1 KRLS.

 

The Mustangs got out to a slow start offensively, but picked up the pace at the end of the first quarter and never looked back. PCM pulled away after Chariton guard Mason Smith picked up both an intentional and technical foul, allowing Carson Vandelune to shoot four free throws. That kickstarted a 13-0 run by the Mustangs to end the first half, and PCM never looked back. Durant Van Dyke tied a career-high with 28 points, while Vandelune was second on the team in scoring with 19. Coach Fred Lorensen tells KRLS Sports that he was very happy with the way his team played overall.

 

“I think we had maybe a 13-0 run at the end of the first half that made things a little bit better. 

Chariton is really young, they have had a tough year. We knew that it was maybe going to be a little bit lopsided that way and sometimes it’s hard to get your kids to play. I thought we played hard, we just did some things with the ball we probably shouldn’t have done.”

 

With the win, the Mustangs improved to 13-9 on the season. PCM will have a couple of days to prepare for their second round matchup. Their next playoff game is Thursday against Pleasantville at Des Moines Christian.