OTTUMWA, Iowa (Interstat) — The Indian Hills Warriors showcased their depth and defensive intensity in a commanding 87-54 victory over the Mineral Area Cardinals in a men’s junior college basketball game Wednesday night.

The most important part of the game was a decisive second-quarter surge by Indian Hills that turned a competitive contest into a rout. After leading 41-31 through a high-scoring first quarter, the Warriors locked down defensively and exploded offensively in the second period, outscoring Mineral Area 46-23 to secure the win.

Indian Hills improved to 22-2 overall, while Mineral Area fell to 15-9.

The Warriors’ victory was fueled by a stark disparity in free throw opportunities and efficiency. Indian Hills attempted 37 free throws, making 30, while Mineral Area went to the line only five times, making just one. The Warriors also capitalized on Mineral Area’s mistakes, scoring 17 points off 13 Cardinals turnovers while committing only seven turnovers themselves.

Balance defined the Indian Hills offense, with five players scoring in double figures. Chaz Watson and Ater Manyuon each scored 14 points. Watson added four rebounds and an assist, while Manyuon contributed five rebounds and a steal. Chiang Ring scored 13 points, Mason Costello added 10, and Taj Au-Duke finished with 10 points, five rebounds and three assists. KJ LaMonte directed the offense with seven points, seven rebounds and a game-high five assists.

For Mineral Area, Nazir Allen led the way with 14 points and three rebounds. Terron Garrett and Lorenzo Shields each added nine points. Shields also had five rebounds and a team-high four assists.

The game began with Mineral Area showing fight, taking an early lead on a Nazir Allen 3-pointer. However, Indian Hills responded with a 12-0 run midway through the first quarter, highlighted by a Chaz Watson 3-pointer and a series of free throws from Chiang Ring and KJ LaMonte, to take a lead they would not relinquish.

The defining stretch came in the second quarter. Leading 45-43, Indian Hills ignited a 25-4 run over a six-minute span. The run featured transition baskets, defensive stops, and relentless attacking of the basket. Ater Manyuon had a steal and layup, Mason Costello hit a 3-pointer, and Sawyer Mayhugh provided energy off the bench with consecutive dunks. The Warriors’ defense held Mineral Area to just two field goals during the run, forcing rushed shots and turnovers.

Indian Hills dominated the glass, outrebounding Mineral Area 44-33, and shared the ball more effectively, recording seven assists to the Cardinals’ three. The Warriors shot 43.9 percent from the field and 36.8 percent from 3-point range, while holding Mineral Area to 36.4 percent shooting overall and 19.2 percent from beyond the arc.

The win avenged an earlier 84-78 loss to Mineral Area on Dec. 13. Indian Hills next travels to face Sauk Valley on Saturday. Mineral Area looks to rebound on the road at Three Rivers, also on Saturday.