Euclid, Ohio- The Villa Angela- St. Joseph Vikings (8-5) hosted a matchup vs University School (8-4). Joes came into the game riding high off of a four game win streak. University looked to bounce back after their 75-68 loss versus Gilmour. After digging themselves in an early hole, University clawed back and came out on top.
Head Coach for University Sean McDonnell spoke about the win.
“Joe's is a storied program, they have an exceptional team this year, they have really good seniors … to be down the way we were and to be able to fight back and bounce back is something I hope these guys will remember for a long time,” remarked McDonnell.
VASJ jumped out to a double digit lead early. They led 17-2 early on and Jeremiah Martin was a huge part of that, scoring 13 points in the first. A three from Sean Shenker and Martin with under one minute to go gave the Vikings a 24-13 lead after one quarter.
University fought back in the second quarter. They started to knock down shots from the outside. They also took advantage of transition layups while breaking the Vikings press.
Three's from Mario Gaspar and TJ Thomas cut the lead to 27-21 with four minutes left in the second. Aditya Nalla made some key plays to close out the quarter. He got fouled on a three point attempt and made all of the free throws. Those buckets gave University a 36-34 lead going into halftime.
In the third University got hot from three while playing off of forced turnovers. They forced several miscues from the Vikings and hit four threes.
A couple of those outside shots came from Nalla. He hit a three around the four minute mark to push University’s lead to 56-45.
Jaevon Hairston came up big in the third for the Vikings. He scored 11 points, five of them came in the final minute of the quarter. University ended the third leading 60-53.
University’s momentum carried into the fourth. After a couple of minutes they forced a timeout and led 65-57. Shenker came out of the timeout and scored five straight.
After a few more possessions VASJ was able to cut the lead to 68-66. Martin drove to the rim and converted an one layup. His free throw gave them a 69-68 lead with two minutes to go. After University answered with a score, Shenker ran the floor for a layup in transition to take the lead right back.
With the score being 71-70 Tylar Robinson crossed a defender over to get into the lane for a tough finish. Shenker came right back with a pair of free throws. Joshua Belcher drove through the lane and converted a layup through traffic. Shenker missed a three point attempt at the buzzer. University ended on top winning 74-73.
University will be back in action Jan. 21 on the road versus Trinity. Tip off begins at 7 p.m.
Top scorers:
University:
Joshua Belcher: 22 points
Aditya Nalla: 22 points
Vasj:
Jeremiah Martin - 24 points
Sean Shenker - 21 points
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