SIOUX FALLS, SD – The Sioux Falls Lincoln Patriots remained unbeaten and earned a spot in next week’s boys State AA Basketball Tournament with an 88-44 win over the Sturgis Scoopers on Saturday night.

The Scoopers struck first after the opening tip as Gage West made a strong move in the paint, scoring an easy layup, giving Sturgis a 2-0 lead.

The Scoopers kept it close until midway through the first quarter, when Patriot standouts Sam DeGroot and Owen Duffy took over. Duffy dropped in nine points and DeGroot added seven in the opening quarter and Lincoln took a 23-12 lead into the second.

The Patriots blew the game open by outscoring Sturgis 29-8 in the second quarter, ensuring a running time clock to start the second half.

Lincoln kept pouring in buckets, scoring 20 more points in the third quarter to extend their lead to 72-31 headed into the final quarter. Both coaches brought in reserves for most of the fourth and the Patriots cruised to an 88-44 victory, their 21st of the season.

Sioux Falls Lincoln was led by DeGroot with 25 points and 10 rebounds. The Patriots shot 35-of-65 from the field (53%), 10-of-12 from the free throw line (83%), committed six turnovers and had 27 rebounds.

Sturgis wrapped up their season with a 7-14 record and were led by West with 14 points. Scooper senior Hayden Rock added 13 points. Sturgis made 18-of-41 field goals (43%), was 3-of-3 from the stripe, had 19 turnovers and 14 boards.

Sioux Falls Lincoln faces Tea Area Thursday at noon at the Monument Ice Arena in Rapid City in the first round of the State AA Tournament.