No. 9 St. Vincent-St. Mary boys basketball beats University (Ill.), 89-78, at Flyin' to the Hoop

  • 01/19 - 5:00 PM Boys BasketballFinal
    St. Vincent-St. Mary 89
    University (Ill.) 78
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DAYTON, Ohio — Basketball is a game of 1s, 2s, and 3s. In No. 9 Saint Vincent-St. Mary’s game against University (Ill.) on Sunday at Flyin’ to the Hoop, it was all about the 3s.

Combining for 18 3-pointers, the game resembled an old west shootout with the way that both teams were firing it up from beyond the arc. Eventually, it was the Irish who came away victorious, 89-78.

“The only good thing was that we played them last year in Chicago, but we didn’t have any idea how they’d play this year,” St. Vincent-St. Mary coach Dru Joyce said. “I knew they could shoot it, but I didn’t think it was going to be like that.”

Based out of Normal, Ill., University started the duel off with Ohio State recruit Keita Bates-Diop hitting three 3-pointers in the game’s opening minutes. Not to be outdone, SVSM’s Jalen Hudson came back with an attack of his own. Pouring in 13 points in the opening quarter on three 3s and two dunks, he captivated the crowd and gave the Irish (7-6) a 25-24 lead after the first quarter.

The second quarter was a bit of a coming out party for VJ King. Fresh off of a wrist injury, he got his rhythm going and hit a number of pull-up jumpers. His big second quarter not only allowed him to total 15 points at intermission, but gave the Irish a 41-37 halftime lead.

Joyce was impressed with the strides his star sophomore made, too.

“VJ is really taking the ball to the rim with authority now and is not settling as much for jumpers,” Joyce said. “He’s improved in all phases, but that’s what I appreciate the most.”

The improvement was evident in the second half. Bates-Diop came out firing with a 3-pointer and University jumped out to a five-point lead, but SVSM, ranked seventh in the Division II state poll, responded with authority.

Hudson finished a dunk, then converted a tough layup to not only swing the momentum, but to also give the Irish a 65-63 lead after three quarters.

From that point on, it was the VJ King show.

He slashed, shot it deep from the perimeter, and even had a pair of dunks. The inspired play that he brought to the table not only helped his team in the scoring column, but inspired his teammates to persevere to victory.

“After being out seven games with my sprained wrist, I enjoyed fighting with my teammates,” King said after posting 30 points and eight rebounds. “I haven’t reached my potential, but I thought I did enough to give my team a chance.”

Though it wasn’t a one man effort, Hudson chipped in with 23 points and four rebounds, while Akron-bound playmaker Josh Williams scored 11.

In a losing effort, Keita Bates-Diop showed off his shooting touch to the tune of 33 points.

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