New Leadership Sinks the Crusaders
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — One team shot “lights out,” while the other team could not convert on the easy shots, as Saint Joseph’s lost a heartbreaker to New Leadership 79-78 at the Pittsfield Boys & Girls Club.Crusader coach Paul Brindle cited the Wildcats’ superb shooting effort in the second half as the key factor in his team’s second loss of the season. That and its inability to hit from the line, missing 25 free throws during the game.
St Joe’s (4-2) ran out to an 11-point lead at halftime before New Leadership turned the scoreboard upside down. A 28-14 advantage in the third quarter proved decisive, giving the Wildcats a 67-64 lead going into the fourth quarter.
In total, the Crusaders went 18-43 from the line, still managing to outscore New Leadership by 12 in that category (18-6 in free throws made).
Talon Brown led the Wildcats with a 26 points, including six three-point baskets, to help the Wildcats gain a 27-12 advantage from long distance.
Tank Roberson had a game-high 28 points and six assists for St. Joe‘s. Joseph Wiggins earned a double-double with 20 points and 11 boards, while Michael McMahon fell one point short of his own (nine points, 10 rebounds).
The Crusaders play again on Saturday when they face Wahconah at the Coaches vs. Cancer tournament at MCLA at 4pm.