Boys Basketball: Late run carries St Viator past Benet

Updated: February 3, 2012 12:41AM

St. Viator senior Kevin Walsh held court with the television cameras and reporters after the Lions’ 50-42 win over Benet like an old pro. He looked as comfortable and poised as he did in the final decisive minutes of the game, despite admittedly having very little experience in the situation.

“We haven’t been in enough tight games,” Walsh said. “We need more experience in this.”

Walsh’s jumper with 2:17 to play gave the Lions the lead at 44-42. It ignited an 8-0 St. Viator run that closed the game.

“The whole game we just couldn’t get over the hump,” Walsh said. “Luckily we knocked it down and got the momentum.”

Walsh said “we” not “I” but he was the player that drained the shot. His choice of words demonstrates the Lions unselfish play throughout the game.

Walsh led the way with 16 points. DJ Morris scored 10 and Ore Arogundade added nine.

Chris Myjak, a 6-5 senior, was the only significant rebounder for St. Viator (17-3, 5-0 East Suburban Catholic), finishing with five points and seven boards.

“We battled,” St. Viator coach Mike Howland said. “I think (Benet) is the best defensive team in the state, I really do.”

Sean O’Mara, Benet’s 6-8 sophomore center, scored 13 points and grabbed nine rebounds. He opened the fourth quarter with two consecutive baskets in the post to put Benet ahead 38-33, but the Lions were able to shut him down from that point on.

“We talked about him at halftime,” Walsh said. “He’s so big and strong. When he does get the ball we just had to collapse on him.”

Griffin Hanekamp added nine points for Benet (16-5, 2-2) and Pat McInerney scored six and grabbed 10 rebounds.

“The story of the game was the last two and a half minutes,” Benet coach Gene Heidkamp said. “Our inability to score was the difference. They won those last two and a half minutes.”

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