The MUS varsity basketball team went 2-1 this past week as it split its region games while completing its non-region schedule with a victory. After these contests, the Owls stand at 15-8, 2-4 in the region.
Last Friday night, the Owls deflated region-rival St. Benedict early as they led all of the first half and allowed SBA to shoot just 31.6% from the field for the half. Then, after intermission, MUS hit 16-26 free throws in the second half, including 15 in the fourth quarter alone, to hold off a scrappy Eagle squad, 57-46.
John Stokes made his comeback from injury and played well, scoring 7 points and grabbing 9 rebounds. Jay Martin led the Owls with 14 points, and Elliott Cole added 12.
MUS used the momentum from the St. Benedict game to get a win the next evening against Bishop Byrne, closing out the non-region schedule. The game was close throughout as a six-point lead was the largest lead anyone held in the first half. The Owls led, 33-29, heading into the break.
After the Owls had opened up the third quarter on an 11-3 run, Byrne was able to close the gap and eventually evened the game by the fourth quarter.
In the final period, the Owls made enough free throws to win, 60-53. Cole led the Owls with 18, and Ferrakohn Hall added 11 points and grabbed 7 rebounds.
On Tuesday night, the Owls started well as Cole scored 10 first-quarter points against Harding, whom the Owls had earlier defeated on the road, 72-63. But the Lions calmed down and started to hit outside shots against the Owl zone as they ultimately led by seven at half.
In the second half, Cole was contained after having scored 16 first-half points as Harding played a box-and-1 defense effectively, holding the Owl junior guard to just 4 second half points.
Along with the good defense, Harding patiently held the ball much of the second half, forcing the Owls to get out of their zone. The Lions hit 21-of-23 free throws to salt the game away and take the 60-51 victory.
On Friday night, MUS takes on rival CBHS on the road at 7:30 p.m. The Owls hope to avenge their earlier loss to the Brothers.