Last Friday, the Benet boys played a neck-and-neck basketball game against the Marist Redhawks in Redwing territory. Both student sections were loaded with ravenous fans, ready to indulge in a cornucopia of athleticism and intensity. Making this match even more of a pressure cooker, the game was televised.

Although the Redhawks, having accrued a 19-1 record (3-0 in conference), were heavily favored going into the game, Benet was able to compete at the same level for the first quarter. Senior Justin Brown, the 6’7 starting Center for Marist, won the tip for his team and started putting points on the board immediately. He was aided by Juniors Maurice Commander and Morgan Taylor, who made brilliant passes while still contributing enough points to be considered threats. Seniors Matt Teglia and Justin Enochs were both able to answer back to Marist’s offensive drives with three pointers. The first quarter concluded with Benet leading, 12-11.

The Redwings attacked the rim more in the second quarter, with Senior Liam Lyman converting on a drive to the basket and Senior Jack Nolan getting to the line for free throws and sinking both. Although Marist struggled to make free throws, Benet’s significant deficit in rebounds led to the Redhawks taking the lead. Fortunately, Nolan was able to successfully shoot a three pointer near the end of the half, cutting Marist’s lead to five, and the score to 21-26.

In the half time break, Coach Gene Heidkamp acknowledged that Marist was playing exquisite defense on Jack Nolan, and that the key for Benet to have the better second half was to limit turnovers.

The third quarter was a better display of Benet’s court vision, with everyone on the floor looking for the open man and working the defense until a chance for an easy bucket presented itself. Liam Lyman and Nolan both aptly reminded Marist’s defenders of their team’s ability from behind the three-point line with impressive shots from deep. This kept Marist from only focusing on defending the paint. Unfortunately, Brown and Commander were maintaining, if not exceeding, the same level of play as they had the first half, and were able to keep their team in the lead. The third quarter ended with the Redhawks having the same five-point lead, and a score of 32-37.

The Redhawks kept their composure in the final quarter, slowing the game down and making numerous passes before any shot attempts. Benet started the quarter with intelligent offense, with players like Nolan making his third 3 pointer and Junior David Buh working hard to get himself open near the basket. This level of smart play dwindled as the time on the clock became smaller, with both Teglia and Enochs fouling out in the last minutes. With only seconds left, Lyman attempted a three pointer with no luck. The game ended with Marist as the victor, 49-45.

Although this game was a heartbreaking defeat for the Benet student body, one can be sure that the boys basketball team will continue to work hard against upcoming opponents regardless of their rank or record.