Buzzer beater lifts Osseo to school's 2nd State Basketball Championship!

 
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - Ian Theisen hit a game-winning shot in the Class AAAA Boys Basketball State Tournament to help the Osseo Orioles defeat the Lakeville North Panthers 49-47 Saturday.

The Orioles, who beat Duluth East and Hopkins earlier this week, won their first state championship since 2001 on the sophomore's shot, which came off a pass from junior Bridge Tusler. Tusler drove to the lane in between the Panther 1-3-1 defense and found Theisen in the corner 15 feet away.

A game that was defined by both teams struggles from the field turned into an instant classic down the stretch, with each team having a chance to win.

While Osseo had a chance to go up six with under two minutes remaining, they missed two free throws and North was able to get the lead within one with a 3-pointer by Grant Erickson. On the next possession, Tusler travelled and the Panthers could take the lead being down 47-46 with 1:30 to go.

Erickson made one of two free throws to tie the game, but the Panthers couldn't get the important stop they needed to force overtime. Tusler was given the ball on the last possession, and he made a great decision to pass it to Theisen for the win.

Tusler finished with eight points and nine rebounds to go along with his only assist, which was the game winner. DJ Hebert led the way for the Orioles with 13 points on 4-14 shooting, and he made two 3-pointers in the latter stages to keep Osseo in control.

Tyler Flack scored 12 points and seven rebounds for the Panthers, who had lost just one game prior to Saturday. Trey Heid had nine points and six rebounds.