Big Red Knocks Off Pope

The Big Red scored a road victory against Pope Prep on Thursday night, securing a 55-50 win with a late fourth quarter rally. After a slow start where the Big Red trailed 10-2, the boys fought back, and only trailed by three heading into the half. The third quarter saw some the Big Red take a two point lead into the fourth. From there, the lead ballooned to seven, but Pope responded with an 11-0 run, and held a four point lead with two minutes left. From there, Landan Left took over, scoring 9 of his 12 points in the final two minutes with aggressive takes to the basket and huge offensive rebounds. The key sequence of the game took place with a minute left and saw Landan tie it at 50 before the Big Red got a stop on the other end. A open three didn't fall, but Landan secured the rebound and converted a lay-up while getting fouled. The made free throw gave the Big Red a three point lead, and after forcing a tough shot by Pope on the other end, Anders Dillon converted 1 of 2 free throws to give the Big Red a four point lead. A forced turnover and another Anders Dillon free throw gave the final score. 

Anders led the way with 13 points, while Landan added 12 and Caleb LeMarbre netted 8, but it was a true team effort, with nine players entering the scoring column. The three-headed big man rotation of James Ory, Brayden Atwood, and Jack Ketchel played collectively their best game of the year, and Warner Hart gave key minutes in his return from injury. JP Newman and Bobby Moss hit big shots in the fourth quarter as well.