Those free throws – five of them – came in a 65-second span that increased the lead to 44-35 with only 31 seconds left. Tyler Pruemer then capped off the game-ending 7-0 scoring spurt with two more free throws.

The Cardinals, who are coached by former Teutopolis standout Kyle Weber, had two players in double figures. Liam Hatfield scored 12 points and Cooper Schallenberg added 10. They shot 38 percent overall, making 15-of-39 attempts. They were 2-for-17 from three-point range and 1-for-3 at the foul line.

“Kyle does a tremendous job with his program,” Reeder noted. “His teams are always well-coached and well-prepared.”

The Shoes, who improved to 8-3, also had two players in double figures. Gaddis finished with 13 points, while Joey Niebrugge added 12. Niebrugge also had nine rebounds, helping his team to a 30-21 rebounding advantage.

The Shoes shot only 34 percent for the game, connecting on 16-of-47 attempts. They were 5-for-20 from behind the arc and 9-for-15 at the line.

Teutopolis will return to tournament action at 1:30 p.m. Friday. The Shoes will face Dixon.

The winner of that game will advance to the semifinals, and face either Highland or Lincoln Way East at 7:30 p.m. Friday. The loser of the 1:30 p.m. contest will play at 6 p.m. Friday. All of those games will be at Teutopolis High School.