The Saint

Story by Marshal Acosta

The Aquinas Men’s Basketball team lost a close game 80-76 against undefeated nationally ranked Lourdes. It was a back and forth contest all afternoon with both teams not wanting to leave the Sturrus Center without a win in the win column. Aquinas fell behind early in the first half but ultimately prevailed and left their best effort out on the floor while continuing to cut into the Lourdes eight point lead and eventually tying the game up heading into the second half. Unfortunately it wasn’t enough as Lourdes was able to escape with a four point win to remain undefeated on the season.

Aquinas started off the game with a made layup by Deandre Francis to get the game started offensively and Lourdes would quickly retaliate with a made shot of their own. The game was tied 10-10 heading into the first timeout and you could just tell from the start that this was going to be a very competitive game. Aquinas started to struggle to put the ball in the basket for the next ten minutes as Lourdes had gone on a 15-7 scoring run to take the lead 25-17 heading into the 8:29 mark of the first half. Aquinas would soon retaliate with the help of some made free throws and eventually back to back threes by Ryan Weir and Donovan Brown-Boyd to bring the deficit to only two points as Lourdes led 30-28 at the 5:31 mark. The back and forth would continue for the remainder of the first half with both teams tied at 41-41 heading into halftime.

Aquinas would shoot 55% from the field and 36% from behind the three point line in the first half while Lourdes shot 53% from the field and 25% from behind the three point line. Both teams were shooting the ball very well and made sure they were converting at the free throw line with Aquinas shooting 77% and Lourdes shooting a perfect 100%.

In the second half both teams picked up right where they left off with both teams exchanging made shots a minute and a half into the start of the second half. It would remain very close with AQ still looking to take the lead in the second half and they would eventually take the lead after Jared Lary made a three pointer with 9:08 remaining in the second half. After a missed jumper on Lourdes’ next possession, the Saints would hit yet another three, this time coming from Tommy Gregwer to extend their lead 66-61 with 8:44 left to play in the game. Aquinas would hold a 76-71 lead over Lourdes with just under four minutes left to play in regulation. Unfortunately the hot shooting from Aquinas would eventually cool down as Lourdes went on a 9-0 scoring run in the final three and a half minutes of the game to give themselves a 80-76 win over the Saints.

The Saints were led in scoring by Andrew Larson who had 19 points. The Saints are back in action on Saturday December 16th, against conference opponent Lawrence Tech.