The varsity men’s basketball team had a difficult task ahead of them on Friday night, playing against McDonogh. This game took place just 24 hours after JC beat St. Frances Academy on the road to secure the Baltimore Catholic League regular season title.
McDonogh jumped off to an early lead, starting the game with a 10-2 run and forcing Coach Tony Martin to call a timeout. JC made a run to close out the quarter, which was finished by a three pointer at the buzzer from senior Ronald Scott. However, McDonogh still held a three point lead, 17-14.
McDonogh slowly pulled away from JC in the second quarter. Most of the points in the quarter came from free throws, and it became clear that it was the referees, not McDonogh, that were setting the pace of the game. The first half closed with McDonogh ahead by 10, 33-23.
The third quarter was almost a replica of the second. The teams traded baskets and foul shots, and McDonogh remained ahead by 10 points heading into the fourth quarter.
Then JC went on a run. The run ended with JC gaining its first lead of the game at 50-49. The teams continued to trade foul shots, until senior Malcolm McMillan hit a lay-up with two seconds left. McDonogh called its last timeout and it appeared that they were going to have to throw up a desperation shot.
McDonogh threw a long pass to one of their players, who then took the shot over junior Jarred Jones and made it. He had one foot inside the three-point arc, which meant that the basket was only worth two points. The game went into overtime with the teams tied at 58.
The fouls continued for both teams, and JC paid a heavy price. Freshman Lionel Owona and Scott both fouled out, putting immense pressure on the rest of the team to pull out a win. With the game tied at 63, McMillan again ran the clock down and made a layup with seven seconds left. The gym erupted in noise from the fans as McDonogh’s last shot bounced off the rim. JC pulled out the win, 65-63.
Among JC top scorers for the game were Scott and Jones. Despite fouling out, Scott earned 24 points. Jones scored 19, including a few three pointers.
McMillan finished the game with 12 points, but his final two to win the game were undoubtedly the most important. “[Hitting the shot] felt great. That was for Ronald because he fouled out,” McMillan said.
When asked whether he thought the referees had any effect on the game, McMillan said, “Refs never have an effect. You just have to play.”
Coach Martin attributed the win to solid defense down the stretch. “It’s a matter of playing half-court defense,” he said.
JC’s next game is at home on Tuesday, Feb. 8, against Calvert Hall at 7:15pm. JC looks to continue its undefeated season in the MIAA and the BCL.
Brian Reid is a reporter for “The Patriot” and www.jcpatriot.com.