Holy Cross Grinds Out Overtime Win at Xaverian

After his team had scored a hard fought 56-54 overtime win against Xaverian, coach Paul Gilvary put it succinctly and accurately describing the game as "well played but tough". Had he chosen to expand on that response he might have added that the terrific game those in the audience had just seen was typical of what happens in the CHSAA's "AA" division when the calendar marks the end of January and the proverbial stretch drive of the season arrives.
To be sure both teams had moments where there was outstanding execution and skill. For the Knights those came primarily from seniors Will Davis and Mairega Clarke who provided much of the team's offense.  Both are unsigned seniors who are talented enough and play well enough to earn division one interest.  Both players have battled injuries throughout their careers so they're just beginning to find their respective strides.. Throughout the game Clarke, who finished with a game high 19 points, displayed his ability to finish at the rim, connect from middle distance on the baseline, and use his terrific athleticism to rebound. Davis, who added 14 points for the Knights, used his outside shot and his ability to pick his spots getting to the basket. Together, they helped the Knights to a 17-14 first quarter lead and after the Clippers came back for a 24-21 halftime advantage a rally that began when Clarke took an alley-oop pass for a dunk, and ended when Davis split a double team and threw a great "hit ahead" pass to Anthony Libroia for a triple, the Knights had a 43-33 advantage as the final quarter began.
Xaverian would storm back immediately in that final quarter.  A long two pointer from reserve Joe Della Russo was sandwiched around a pair of threes by Dillon Burns to pull the Clippers within two points.  From there, the two teams traded baskets and tough defensive stops in a great fourth period.  In addition to Burns (17 points) and Bernardi (13 points) the Clippers got a terrific effort from Lamel Faison. The talented junior guard who has battled injuries of his own scored 11 points and had several pretty assists. His tough drive for a three point play was one of several that kept the Clippers within striking distance and helped create the opportunity for Bernardi's game tying three pointer that sent the game into overtime. The overtime proved to be a defensive struggle and the Knights got their winning margin at the free throw line.  On the Clippers' final possession, Burns had an open look at a game winning triple but it hit the back of the rim. Holy Cross had their great win while Xaverian, even in a tough loss that broke a three game winning streak, showed they'll be a tough out come playoff time.