Wilson Dominates First Half but Squeaks by Bellarmine

Wilson Dominates First Half but Squeaks by Bellarmine
By Colin Caruso

In the second to last game at the Muscle Milk pre-season tournament in Kent, the Bellarmine Prep Lions took on the Wilson Rams in another non-conference matchup. Bellarmine jumped out to an early 4-0 lead, converting on two easy layups, but were unable to score for the remainder of the first quarter. Wilson closed the quarter on a 10-0 run that continued into the second.

That run extended to a 20-0 run with five minutes left in the second, on the back of a solid diamond press that Bellarmine could not break, leading to easy Wilson transition layups. Seven Rams were able to score in the first half, compared to just four Lions. The Rams took a commanding 33-14 lead into the half.

Bellarmine received a good talking to from Coach Salazar at the break and turned their offense on to start the third quarter. An 18-1 run for the Lions cut the Wilson lead just two with one minute remaining in the frame. Bellarmine won the quarter 19-5 and only trailed by five entering the fourth.

The Lions’ leading scorer Mar’kese Jackson fouled out with 4:30 remaining in the fourth, really stifling the colossal comeback effort for Bellarmine. The five point margin would be the closest the Lions would come, as Wilson began to battle on the interior and taking advantage of their bonus free-throws. Wilson closed with a strong third quarter and finished with a 51-39 win.

Top Performers:
Bellarmine Prep
Mar’kese Jackson – 16 points, 4 rebounds, 2 steals
Drew Griffin – 9 points, 9 rebounds

Wilson
Alphonso Anderson – 11 points, 14 rebounds