IOWA FALLS — The St. Edmond boys survived some late struggles at the free throw line to pick up a 58-55 victory over Iowa Falls-Alden here Tuesday night.

With the score tied at 54-all and just under two minutes to go, Jakob Koopman secured an offensive rebound and Hunter Horn converted a traditional three-point play to give the Gaels the lead for good.

JT Laufersweiler knocked down a 3-pointer off a Horn offensive rebound with 56 seconds to go and a pair of misses by the Cadets allowed St. Edmond (9-8 overall, 5-6 in North Central Conference) to secure the win and even the season series despite missing six free throws in the final minute.

“Everybody that got in made a big play,” SEHS head coach Adolph Kochendorfer said. “We settled down on defense, switching off, while also getting some big rebounds. We had some key offensive rebounds late and Hunter was big at the free throw line.

“We did a better job of getting him the ball against their zone. We were more comfortable against the zone which is a good sign.”

Horn scored 21 with Sam Mericle adding 20. Jakob Koopman and Jack McElroy scored six, and Laufersweiler added five.

“Jack had a couple big 3s in the second half that were huge,” Kochendorfer said. “And even after missing the free throw late, Jakob pressured the ball and forced them to take a half-court shot. We work on that in practice and he did a great job.”

Iowa Falls-Alden (5-12, 3-7) had won each of the last 10 meetings between the two, including a 58-54 victory earier this year.

St. Edmond returns to action on Thursday when they host Pocahontas Area. The Gaels then host Algona on Friday.

ST. EDMOND 58, IOWA FALLS-ALDEN 55

St. Edmond — Hunter Horn 21, Sam Mericle 20, Jakob Koopman 6, Jack McElroy 6, JT Laufersweiler 5.

Iowa Falls-Alden — Carter Weaver 20, Jaden Damiano 16, Nick Regan 9, Carter Allen 2, Karter Kalous 2.