JVS HANG ON FOR 51-50 WIN

In a game in which both teams almost matched their total points scored in the fourth quarter, the Irish JVs hung on for a 51-50 win against Liberty.

Entering the final stanza, the Irish led 28-26. Over the first five and a half minutes of the quarter the Irish were able to build a 45-36 lead by attacking the basket and hitting free throws. Three Irish players did the damage in terms of scoring.

Jacob McPheters got things going with a put back basket and also had a nice left handled drive that gave the Irish a 5 point lead mid way through the quarter. Gabe McGlone had a timely trey and a pull up jumper, to go with a pair of late free throws.

Raneal Ewing came up big with a drive to the basket for a lay-up and he hit 10-10 free throws in the quarter. The free throws included two successful 1+1 conversions when the Patriots were trying to extend the game.

Liberty hit a couple of late treys to stay within striking distance and actually had an opportunity to send the game to overtime. However, instead of kicking the ball out for a trey opportunity as the clock wound down, a Patriot player took a lay-up off an offensive rebound. This happened with six seconds to go and the clock ran out before the Irish had to inbound the ball.

Final unofficial scoring for the Irish included: Ewing (22), McGlone (14), McPheters (6), J.R. Bernans (4), Tervon Moore (4) and Max Brundige (1).

The Irish are now 8-8 overall and 7-5 in OCC Cardinal Division play. They visit Harvest Preparatory School on February 7 and will be back at home on February 13 versus Dublin Jerome.