MOC-FV tops Grinnell in state opener - KTIV News 4 Sioux City IA: News, Weather and Sports

MOC-Floyd Valley has advanced in the Iowa boys Class 3A state basketball tournament with a 52-44 first round win over Grinnell on Tuesday.

The ninth-ranked Dutch trailed 23-19 at the half, but outscored Grinnell, 16-9, in the third quarter to take control. MOC-FV only shot 29% in the first half but rallied to shoot a solid 47% in the second half.

Levi Jansen came off the bench to lead MOC-FV in scoring with 16 points. Justin Van Kalsbeek was also in double figures with 12 points and 12 rebounds.

"This feels great after the last two years going here and losing that first round game," said Van Kalsbeek. "Going into halftime it was pretty intense. We knew we just had to come out and play our game."

"I know the seniors last year, it hurt them a lot," said Mitchell De Wit. "It gives momentum to our seniors and to us to keep doing what we do and play with Dutchmen pride."

The Dutch (21-4) will play unranked Harlan in the semifinals on Thursday night at 6:35. Harlan handed number-1 Vinton-Shellsburg their first loss of the season, 67-56.