Basketball Bests Holy Cross with 4th Quarter Defense
Print
Email
Share
After making a steal on defense, Zach DeBlieux completes the fast break with 2:30 left in the game to help Jesuit reclaim the lead 49-48. Jesuit’s 4th Quarter defense was the deciding factor in the 55-50 victory.
On Tuesday night, aggressive defense helped the Jesuit basketball team defeat Holy Cross 55-50 in the Birdcage. The Jays stole the ball from the Tigers 13 times, and points-off-turnovers in the 4th Quarter sealed the victory in the close game.
View the Jesuit vs. Holy Cross Photo Gallery
One momentum-changing steal happened with 2:30 to play in the 4th Quarter and the Jays trailing by 1 point. Junior Zach Deblieux intercepted a Holy Cross pass and converted a layup at the other end to reclaim the lead at 49-48. DeBlieux made another steal from the exact same spot with 1:00 to play, but this time made a diving pass to save the ball to Elijah Morgan, who drew a foul in transition to go to the free throw line. Morgan went 5-6 from the foul line in the final minute to extend the lead over the Tigers and win the game.
Defense really was the key in a night where the Jays struggled from the field. DeBlieux and Nick Artigues each had four steals, which were key in incapacitating the Holy Cross attack. Drew Black tallied three blocks, and Robert McMahon pulled down eight rebounds.
The scoring for the Jays was balanced, with the Jays relying mostly on hustle points in the lane. Elijah Morgan scored 11 points, Noah Varnado 9, Nick Artigues and Will Landrieu each had 8, and Zach Deblieux and Drew Black added 7.
The basketball team continues district play on Friday night at 7 PM at Brother Martin, with Jesuit (7-2) still trailing St. Augustine (7-1) for the top spot in the Catholic League. The Jays conclude district play next week with games against Shaw and John Curtis.
Read More…
NOLA.com – Jesuit 55, Holy Cross 50: Elijah Morgan leads balanced Blue Jays scoring
The Advocate – Late steal, clutch free throws lift Jesuit past Holy Cross
Galleries
Basketball vs. Holy Cross, February 7, 2018
-
...and makes his way to the foul line. -
Fans in The Gizzard start a celebratory chant once the victory seems certain. -
Elijah Morgan's clutch shooting from the foul line sealed the victory for the Jays. -
Coach Chris Jennings is proud of his team's aggressive play late in the game. -
...draws the foul at the other end of the court. -
...and passes to Elijah Morgan, who... -
...makes a diving save on his way out of bounds... -
Zach DeBlieux makes a steal from the same spot on the court... -
After making a steal on defense, Zach DeBlieux completes the fast break with 2:30 left in the game to help Jesuit reclaim the lead 49-48. Jesuit's 4th Quarter defense was the deciding factor in the 55-50 victory. -
Blue Jay fans like the effort that they see from the players. -
Will Landrieu contributes to the 4th Quarter shut-down defense. -
Coaches Jonathan Hernandez '00 and Chris Jennings '78 talk strategy during a late-game time-out. -
Drew Black makes a tricky pass for an assist under the basket. -
Noah Varnado makes a quick move along the baseline... -
Elijah Morgan beats his man around the corner. -
Will Landrieu creates separation on his way to the basket. -
Drew Black gets 1 of his 3 blocked shots. -
Michael Hull goes 1 for 2 from the foul line. -
Robert McMahon seems to get the clean block, but gets charged with a foul for making contact on the way up. -
...and the Jayettes dance along with the band during a time-out. -
The Jesuit cheerleaders pump up the crowd... -
Noah Varnado chases down a steal. -
Elijah Morgan scores 2 of his 11 points. -
Nick Artigues fights for a jump-ball.
