Viator's upset bid falls short

Posted February 20, 2009 10:00 pm

By Greg Swiderski Daily Herald Correspondent

Missed free throws at critical times spelled doom for St. Viator in its upset bid and a 59-46 loss at St. Patrick Friday night. The Lions, now 14-10 overall and 5-7 in the East Suburban Catholic, forged their final lead at 39-38 with 5:15 left on a 3-pointer by Bryce Hensley (21 points).

Viator had missed two other free throw opportunities earlier in the quarter and then two more when the game was still within reach.

"You have to be able to knock them down," said Lions coach Joe Majkowski, whose team hit 4-of-11 free throws and went 1-for-5 in the fourth quarter.

St.Patrick (17-5, 10-2), which secured second place in the ESCC behind St. Joseph, then received 5 straight points from guard Bryant Smith (23 points) for a 43-39 lead with 3:41 to play.

Alan Aboona's basket with 3:17 left brought the Lions to 43-41 but no closer as St. Patrick scored the next 4 points to ease away.

Julian Reed added 19 points for the Shamrocks, who outrebounded the Lions 31-17.

"After we fell behind 12-2 in the first four minutes, we challenged the kids," said Majkowski. "They responded and battled back, but Smith took over in the fourth quarter."

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