Akron, OH - Game 2 of the Legends Classic at The LeBron James Arena in St. Vincent St. Mary's high school, where the Fighting Irish took on the Catholic Central Cougars from Grand Rapids, Michigan.
The Fighting Irish got off to a quick start with forward Daniel Ajose scoring a fast six points, and guard Lance Hayes scoring four points of his own helping their team put up 21 in the first.
Needing to get a groove the Cougars guard Kaden Brown hit back-to-back three pointers and a mid range jumper of his own to help score 11 of the 13 his teams points in the first quarter, but the Irish had the lead 21-13.
Entering the second quarter, the Irish's defense was looking sloppy as they allowed the Cougars to catch up and tie the game because Brown just couldn't miss from the three point line as he had 18 before the second half even started.
However offensively the Irish still looked great even after their slow start, but they were able to put up 17 points mainly because of seniors Darius Strattford and Kevin Hamilton putting up their own set of three pointers and a slam finish. The Fighting Irish had a 37-29 at the half.
Entering the third quarter, both teams looked great on offense, as the Fighting Irish seniors were getting boards, making opportunities and sinking all of their shots as the Irish put up 23 points helping to maintain their lead.
On the other side the Cougars just kept scoring, mainly off the back of Kaden Brown and Durral Brooks who were each sinking threes and running through the Irish's defense at every chance but it wasn't enough to catch up as the Irish were up 60-48 going into the fourth.
The fourth quarter was a defensive battle, as the Irish were finally able to slow down the high flying Cougar offense and the Irish went 100% from the free throw line with shots from Kevin Hamilton and Lance Hayes helping put the game away.
The Cougars didn't have their normal groove in the fourth, as they weren't running through the defense as they were the first three quarters. Brown was still able to go 100% from the free throw line as he helped his team put up seven points, but it wasn't enough as the Fighting Irish won 72-55.
With 20 points the MVP of the game Kevin Hamilton for the Fighting Irish.
I talked with Fighting Irish coach Dru Joyce II after the game.
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