St. Viator grabs big lead, then holds off Carmel

St. Viator took control early and never let up in a 68-57 East Suburban Catholic Conference victory over Carmel in Arlington Heights on Friday.

Senior forward Richard McLoughlin scored 20 points and grabbed 6 rebounds to lead a balanced Lions effort that, for the most part, impressed coach Joe Majkowski.

"I thought we played very hard tonight," said Majkowski. "I can't fault our effort at all. The only thing that I was disappointed with was that we didn't box out. We've got to get better in that area."

Carmel gave a strong effort, especially on the offensive glass, but couldn't catch up after falling behind by double digits early.

Corsairs senior forward Patrick Cox scored 18 points, Douglas Meyer added 15, while Daniel Mooney helped lead a late rally by scoring all 9 of his points in the fourth quarter.

"I just wish I was able to hit some of my shots early," said Mooney, "because I came on strong at the end."

Viator took a 13-3 lead with only four minutes gone on Justin Sipiora's 3-point play.

Carmel, behind a relentless full-court press, closed to within 6 points at the end of the quarter.

"We scouted them," said Mooney, "and we knew that their number 12 (Alan Aboona) was very quick and they were able to move the ball well. We were hoping to keep the pressure on them and get some turnovers."

McLoughlin opened the third quarter with a 3 to give the Lions their largest lead at 56-38.

Viator (9-2, 2-2) kept the big lead thru most of the second half but some late Lion turnovers and Carmel offensive rebounds and putbacks saw the Corsairs close to within 65-55 with two minutes left.

But Carmel (5-6, 2-2) could get no closer as Viator senior Brendan King scored 5 of his 13 points in the final eight minutes.

"Their offensive rebounding kept it close," said McLoughlin.

Jonathan Huisel scored 9 points for Carmel while Aboona and Sipiora each added 11 for the Lions.

"You've got to give Carmel credit," said Majkowski. "They've got some nice shooters, and their inside guys play tough.

"I thought we played very well on defense but we've got to box out and run our offense a little better."