The Cardinals’ men’s basketball team recorded its first victory of the season Friday evening, defeating the Bobcats of Bryant & Stratton College 75-64.
By Isaac Donsky
Catonsville, Md. - The Cardinals' men's basketball team recorded its first victory of the season Friday evening, defeating the Bobcats of Bryant & Stratton College 75-64.
The Cardinals jumped out to an early lead behind a flurry of scoring from sophomore guard Joaquin Gonzalez (McKinley Tech), and excellent defensive efforts by freshman guard Damien Hopkins (Oakland Mills) and freshman point guard Kyree Banks (Surrattsville).
Gonzalez sank three early three-pointers, opening up a 17-point lead for Catonsville.
Hopkins and Banks were electric on defense, as the two combined for 12 rebounds and six steals.
Freshman forward Christopher Johnson (St. George's High) made the most of his lengthy arm span, gobbling up eight rebounds and two steals while contributing 13 points.
Freshman forward Treshawn Warren (Newtown) used all of his 6-foot-8 frame to get physical in the paint, drawing several crucial fouls late in the first half, helping the Cardinals to a 44-27 halftime lead.
The second half saw the Cardinals begin to struggle with turnovers, resulting in the lead shrinking to just nine points with five minutes to go.
Thankfully for Catonsville, the Cardinal's bench came to the rescue.
Freshman guard Keith Bullock Jr. (Cardozo) was everywhere, scoring 14 points and picking up three steals.
Freshman forward Zak'ken Saint-Jean (Scotland Campus) nailed a late three to extend Catonsville's lead, while freshman small forward Austin Smith (Randallstown) turned a steal into a game-sealing transition dunk with less than two minutes to go.
Gonzalez led the Cardinals with 18 points, while Johnson and Hopkins ended the game tied with eight rebounds each.
Hopkins led the team with five assists and Banks ended the game with a team-high four steals.
Next up for the Cardinals will be a home match with Camden County College on Saturday, November 13th at 3 p.m.
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