Chicago Heights, IL-(ENEWSPF)- Host Marian Catholic whittled a double-digit deficit to six late in the third quarter, but couldn’t finish off the comeback run Friday, as ESCC leader Benet Academy improved to 25-1 and 13-0 with a 57-49 decision over the Spartans. The verdict halted an eight-game winning streak for the Spartans (21-7, 9-5) and spoiled a game-high 23-point effort from Quentin Jones.
The Spartans were out-shot and out-maneuvered by the red-hot Redwings, who are currently ranked number 2 in the state. Benet was taller and faster this Friday night. For much of the game, Marian saw more shots bounce from the rim than push through. The Spartans also had difficulty finding a presence under the rim, whether on offense or defense, finally finding more rebounds late in the third quarter and into the fourth. That was not enough, however.
Donovan Juzang added 11 points and Jonah Weathers nine markers for Marian, which faced an uphill battle after falling behind, 15-6, after the opening stanza. Jones (two steals) also pulled down seven boards for the Spartans, but the host squad was outrebounded, 34-19. Both teams shot 19-for-57 (33 percent) from the field, but Marian was outscored at the charity stripe, 14-7, as Benet committed just six fouls in the contest.
Game Stats
BENET- Fagbemi 3-3-9, Kunka (7)-5-20, Nash (5)-0-13, Sulaver 1-0-2, Abusara 2-3-7, Driscoll (1)-3-6. Totals: 19-14-57.
MARIAN- Jones 10-3-23, Weathers (3)-2-9, Bullock 1-0-2, Davis 0-2-2, Juzang (4)-0-11, Sharkey 1-0-2, Everhart 0-0-0. Totals: 19-7-49.
Field goals: Benet 19 of 57, 333; Marian 19 of 57, .333. Free throws: Benet 14 of 20, .700; Marian 7 of 10, .700. Three-point goals: Benet 5 of 15, .333 (Nash 3, Kunka, Driscoll); Marian 4 of 13, .308 (Juzang 3, Weathers). Rebounds: Benet 34, Marian 19. Fouls: Benet 6; Marian 14.
Scoring
| Feb. 3 | 1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
OT |
Final |
| BENET ACADEMY | 15 | 15 | 6 | 21 | -57 |
|
| at MARIAN CATHOLIC | 6 | 11 | 11 | 21 | -49 |
Other Basketball Scores
- The Bloom Blazing Trojans Boys Varsity surpassed the Crete-Monee Warriors Friday 69-50
- Rich Township Boys Varsity stomped the Thornridge Falcons Friday 98-72
- The Kankakee Kays edged out the Crete-Monee Warriors in Girls Varsity Basketball Thursday 39-34
- The Rich Township Boys Varsity handily beat the Bradley-Bourbonnais Boilermakers Wednesday 81-52
Photo Gallery
Game stats and supporting text courtesy Athletic Director Kevin Kelly at Marian Catholic.
