ICCP holds on vs. Timothy Christian
It has been an up-and-down kind of season for the IC Catholic Prep boys basketball team.
That was on full display Friday night as the Knights saw a double-digit lead evaporate before recovering down the stretch during a 67-60 victory over Timothy Christian in a Metro Suburban Conference crossover matchup.
The Trojans (6-10) actually took the lead with 1:30 left on a 3-pointer by Jonny Strube. But IC's Matt Sutton connected on a 3 of his own on the ensuing possession before the Knights (11-8) made 7 of 8 free throws in the final minute.
"A win is a win," IC coach T.J. Tyrrell said. "It was encouraging to see that down the stretch, even though we gave up the lead, we were able to handle the ball and knock down our free throws. We were 7 of 8 in crunch time and that's how you win ballgames."
Will Lyles scored 6 of his 16 points in the fourth quarter, including a breakaway dunk to begin the period which increased the home team's advantage to 53-42. Austin Reed scored a game-high 22 points to go along with 3 steals.
"The key was our inside-out game," Lyles said. "When we got it inside, we were able to kick it out and our guards got shots we liked. And then we were getting to the hoop and going up strong."
As far as the wide swings in their level of play, Lyles said they are working on that.
"When we have a lead, we kind of play down sometimes," the senior said. "We have to keep up that consistent hard play the whole game. When we don't keep up that intensity, it allows the other team to come back."
Jordan Rowell added 10 rebounds and 2 blocked shots for IC Catholic.
"Will played a great game," Tyrrell said, "and it's nice having Jordan back. And I thought Austin ran the offense well, he had 6 assists and also led us in scoring."
Trayvon Williams had 16 points for the visitors, Strube contributed 15 on five 3-pointers and Joey Davidson added 12.
"I'm proud of our guys fighting back," Timothy Christian coach Jack LeGrand said. "This was a better effort. We could have folded but we showed resolve. Maybe this is a turning point."