Saturday, January 5, 2013

Molloy Needs OT to Hold Off Holy Cross 81-79




            It took a while for last night's Holy Cross-Molloy game to develop into a typical CHSAA "AA" league slugfest. But once it did the result was a tremendous effort from both sides and a precious road win for the Stanners.
            Chazz  Watler scored the last of his 29 points on a running one hander as time expired to give Molloy the win.  To their credit Holy Cross' defense did a good job riding Watler away from the basket.  To Watler's credit, despite the pressure,  he was able to ride up, square his shoulders and make a tough shot for the decisive basket.
            The play helped Molloy avoid what would have been a difficult loss because they had played so well on the road. An early third quarter basket by junior guard C.J. Davis gave Molloy a 16 point margin, as the playe of Watler, Davis and forward Marco Kozul seemingly put the Stanners in control.  Davis, with a coach from Davidson reportedly in to see him, played very well scoring 20 points and playing his usual solid floor game. Watler attacked the basket with his deceptive athleticism, while Kozul helped Molloy control the defensive glass while showing an improved outside shot. He added 21 points for the Stanners.
            Holy Cross would make a great run after Davis' basket. Senior wing man Akil Spurill and soph pointman Jermaine Bishop provided the outside spark to the offense while senor forwards Brian Wilson and Terrell Williams made plays around the basket to keep the rally going. Williams, who is one of the CHSAA's best glue guys had a team high 21 for the Knights while Jermaine Bishop added 16.  They lead by as many as 6 points during the final quarter before Molloy brought it back to force the overtime.  The extra stanze was nearly a reversal of the 4th quarter with Molloy grabbing the early lead before clutch baskets helped Cross and sloppy defense in the form of bad fouls set the stage for Watler's game winning play. With 2013 here and league play beginning in earnest, the CHSAA looks as rugged and copetitive as ever. It will be a great ride to March.
            

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