On Tuesday night, the Jesuit basketball team pulled off a tremendous come-from-behind victory against Shaw in double overtime. The Blue Jays erased the 16 point deficit from the end of the 1st quarter to tie the game at the end of regulation and eventually topple the Eagles 56-51. Sophomore Matthew Knight had a breakout performance with 24 points, including a dagger 3-pointers that made the difference in the 2nd overtime period.

View the Jesuit vs. Shaw Photo Gallery

The Jays came out transfigured in the 2nd quarter with pressure defense the chipped away at the deficit. After passing the Eagles in the 4th quarter by as much as five points in the final minutes, Shaw made a last stand with a baseline 3-pointer that sent the game to overtime.

The Eagles and Jays were in lockstep in the first overtime period, which sent the game to a second overtime. Trailing by two points, Knight stroked a nothing-but-net 3-pointer that gave the Jays all the momentum they needed to push ahead. The following play, the Blue Jays tore down three offensive rebounds under the basket before Porter Lichtl found the bottom of the net. Two free throws by Luke LaForge then sealed the deal for the Jays’ five-point victory.

Knight’s 24-point performance was marked by 53% shooting from the field and 86% from the charity stripe. Litchtl also hit double digits, scoring 11 points and tearing down 12 rebounds. Also helping the effort for Jesuit were Malcolm Baldwin (8 points, 3 rebounds, 1 steal), Patrick Lavie (5 points, 2 rebounds, 1 steal), and LaForge (5 points, 2 rebounds, 1 block).

The Jays (15-14, 3-6) return to the Gayle and Tom Benson Arena on Friday night to face Brother Martin. Tip off is set for 7:00 p.m.

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NOLA.com – Jesuit overcomes large early deficit to stun Shaw, 56-51, in double overtime