The St. Viator Lions (3-1, 0-0) came back from ten points down with 3:30 to go to defeat the Libertyville 78-71 in the final game of the St. Viator Thanksgiving Classic.
Through the first three quarters of this game, the story of the game was how St. Viator just could not handle the size and inside game of Libertyville’s sophomore forward Bryce Wegrzyn (23 points) and senior forward Ben Van Lyssel (15 points).
Somehow, some way, It all came together for the Lions tonight on the last night of the St. Viator Holiday Classic. The Lions rallied in the fourth to force overtime. Four three-pointers and five free throws is part of the recipe for a fourth quarter comeback. The other key ingredient is tough players who don’t give up and coach calling the right plays. Oh, and of course, a supportive alumni photographer.
The ball movement and inside game of Libertyville in the first half was skillful. The Lions had no answer. Wegrzyn had 17. Even so, the Lions were only down six at the half.
It grew to nine at the end of the third and then 10 down 53-63 with 3:30 to go.
The Lions were a whole new team in the fourth. The quick guard centric line-up turned up the urgency. Two quick threes. Still down five at 1:48, the Lions added a field goal and five free throws.
Did I mention defensive rebounds. I don’t know what happened to the Libertyville big men they didn’t get any rebounds when it counted. The Lions got them.
Onto OT.
Overtime seemed no problem for the Lions. A couple more free throws, a timely three that felt like a game-winner when it came with a minute left making the score St. Viator 72, Libertyville 68.
And then it was about the four free throws and a late Henry Marshall lay-up for the win.
Nicely done.
