File photo by Travis Rosenau New Ulm High School’s Mackenzie Enter passes the ball during a recent home game at NUHS.

NEW ULM — Daviney Dreckman’s free throw with 10.9 seconds left lifted New Ulm over Waseca 62-61 on Thursday in a Big South Conference girls’ basketball contest.

Dreckman tied it at 61-61 when she drove down the lane and between two Bluejay defenders. On the Eagles’ next possession, she was fouled. She missed the first free throw, but she calmly hit the second one.

Ella Krautkremer scored on a reverse layup which cut the Bluejays deficit to 59-55. Avery Madsen’s 3 regained a lead of 60-59 for Waseca. Madeline Bulfer’s free throw gave Waseca a 61-59 advantage.

The Eagles picked up their defensive intensity in the second half. They used a full-court press during the first half. New Ulm switched to a zone defense in the second half. Eagles head coach Julie Rogers said they did that for better control of the boards with the intent to get the ball up the court.

“We played well, and we went after the ball,” Rogers said. She was pleased to see how the team played after the game against Hutchinson.

Waseca had a height advantage on the Eagles, but they adapted as the game progressed and were able to work smart and score when needed.

The Bluejays rebounded well early in the first half and jumped out to an early lead. New Ulm battled back to tie it, holding an 18-10 advantage. The Bluejays fought to regain the lead. The score was tied 36-36 at halftime.

Dreckman led the Eagles with 19 points and 10 rebounds. Kirsten Dennis scored 15 points and Morgan Hulke added 13 points, two rebounds and one steal.

Kloe Wadd led Waseca with 16 points and Madsen finished with 11 points.

New Ulm (9-8, 4-4) will host Mound-Westonka at 5:30 p.m. on Saturday.