The Audubon Wheelers fought through a sloppy outing and advanced in the Class 1A Region 2 playoffs with a 54-43 win over East Union on Thursday night. The Wheelers didn’t shoot the ball well, particularly from the outside and had a number of quick empty possessions that held them back from pulling away from the Eagles.

East Union jumped on top early 8-4 by hitting a couple of outside shots but the Wheelers started to settle in a bit better at the end of the first quarter. Audubon ripped off a 16-0 run spanning the end of the first into mid second quarter to gain control at 30-11. The Eagles responded though with a 12-0 run to end the half and get within 7 at the break. Audubon scored the first four points of the third quarter and was able to fend off the Eagles down the stretch. Audubon Head Coach Darran Miller thought his team didn’t have enough patience on offense.

Audubon tried to run a little too quick at times in transition and Coach Miller thought the defensive effort just got them overzealous.

The Wheelers were led by 26 points from Aleah Hermensen and 19 from Jaci Christensen but only two other players got in the scorebook. Audubon improved to 15-7 on the year and advances to the Region 2 Quarterfinals. They will host an 11-7 Glidden-Ralston team next Tuesday night. The Wildcats advanced with a 53-34 win over Coon Rapids-Bayard.

East Union was led by 18 points from Grace Nixon and 16 from Kaylin Lack. The Eagles end their season at 5-16.