The Archbishop Carroll Patriots picked up another Philadelphia Catholic League win Sunday when they defeated Lansdale Catholic, 50-47.
Carroll is now 2-3 in PCL play and 6-7 on the season.
The first quarter started off hot for the Patriots after a alley-oop jam from Luca Foster. The Patriots maintained their dominance with help from Christian Matos, who was able to tally five points in the first eight minutes of play.
Early in the second quarter, Carroll’s struggle to maintain momentum — an issue since the season began — appeared again. The Patriots played poor defense and only scored six points to Lansdale’s seven in the first two minutes. The Patriots picked up the play and went to the second half on the shoulders of Foster, their leading scorer, who has played an unfamiliar role of center during Drew Corrao’s absence.
“I’m just trying to be more physical, trying to grab rebounds, trying to get my teammates’ shots, take my open shots,” said Foster. “It’s just a different role I’m playing into. I think I’m doing a decent job.”
The Patriots came out firing to start the second half. Matos made a three-point shot to extend the lead by nine with two minutes left in the third.
In the the fourth quarter, the Patriots were outworked on the defensive end of the basket, and showed their momentum crumbling. Lansdale hit a three pointer to cut the lead to three with a little more than a minute on the clock. Carroll maintained possession and chewed most of the clock until the star of the game, Matos, was sent to the line to seal the deal. Matos was not able to knock down either free throw and Lansdale had a chance to tie the game. The Crusaders’ three point attempt was just short and they intentionally fouled Nasir Ralls with five seconds left. Ralls had the same ending as Matos, going 0-2 from the line and giving the Crusaders one final chance to tie after they were able to snag down the rebound. Lansdale inbounded the ball quickly and passed it deep into the corner for a three point attempt; however, the attempt was short and no good. The Patriots were able to hold on in what was supposed to be a blowout in the favor of the Pats. The star of the game and leading scorer and defender was Matos, who has shined in a new environment for this Patriots team.
“I feel like I’m gelling with my teammates and we’re getting a groove,” said Matos “I feel like we should’ve won by more, but it’s still a win, nonetheless.”
The Patriots will have a chance to win by more when they take on Saint Joseph’s Preparatory High School on Friday, Jan. 17, at 6 p.m. at home.
