ABERDEEN — Viborg-Hurley flipped the script on Cornbelt Conference foe Freeman.

The Cougars dropped a 57-53 decision against the Flyers in the season opener, but they returned the favor with a 72-40 victory at the Class B boys basketball tournament on Thursday. 

“We knew what we were getting into losing to them the first time,” Viborg-Hurley senior Owen Niederbaumer said. “We really just wanted to lower the turnovers. We had 28 the last time. We finished with 10 and we just wanted to run our plays and be us.”

VH’s Brady Schroedermeier finished with 21 points, while Niederbaumer led the Cougars with 20 points, six rebounds and four 3-pointers. Nick Hanson scored nine points, while Jake Austin and Nolan Kolthoff finished with eight points and seven rebounds. 

The Cougars (22-2) used a 20-8 third-quarter margin, including a 15-2 burst to finish the frame and they cruised from there. 

The young Flyers, who start two freshmen, weren’t overwhelmed by the Wachs Arena atmosphere in the first half. The Cougars led 33-22, but Freeman got within striking distance at 33-28 at halftime. 

“I think the first half would not have been as bad,” Viborg-Hurley coach Shane Warwick said. “But we had a few defensive breakdowns and they made us pay.” 

Freeman freshman David Walter buried a 3-pointer at the buzzer to slice Viborg-Hurley’s advantage to 33-28. 

Viborg-Hurley was clinging to a 38-34 lead, and that’s when the Cougars seized control. Viborg-Hurley all-stater Nick Hanson, who missed his first five shots from the field, drilled a 3-pointer and Braydyn Morrison nailed a triple for a 44-34 Cougar advantage. 

Niederbaumer stretched the lead to 46-34, and the Cougars lead never dipped below double digits over the final 11:30 minutes of game action. 

“I think the second half when the ball goes in and I thought we stepped it up defensively,” Warwick said. “I think sometimes when you are playing better defense, it’s funny how the ball goes in sometimes.” 

Walter led Freeman with 15 points. The Flyers shot 17-of-42 from the field, including 5-of-18 from the 3-point line. 

The Cougars shot 27-of-57 from the field, including 8-of-24 from the 3-point line. Niederbaumer was a perfect 4-of-4 from the 3-point line. 

“I just have really, really good confidence,” Niederbaumer said about his shooting performance. “Last year I really didn’t have much confidence and this year I really stepped up and coach Shane really helped me out with this and he really pushed me this year.”

Freeman will play Aberdeen Christian at 1:45 p.m. on Friday in the consolation semifinals. 

Viborg-Hurley will play Dell Rapids St. Mary at 7:45 p.m. Friday in the championship semifinals.  

“They are one of the best teams in South Dakota, if not the best,” Warwick said. “That’s what it is supposed to be here on Friday night. I am happy both teams get to be there and get to play.”