A strong offensive performance from Patrick Kilfoil and Isaac Bongen propelled the #7 Jesuit Crusaders to a 73-71 win over the #5 Barlow Bruins.
The Jesuit offense had an electric start to the game led by senior guard Tyler Curvy, who scored eight quick points, as the Crusaders surged ahead of Barlow 20-6.
Barlow picked up the pace in the second quarter led by junior guard Jalen Atkins, as the Bruins went on a 16-5 run to take the lead late in the quarter.
But with two minutes left in the first half, junior guard Patrick Kilfoil caught fire, draining three threes, including a buzzer beater from way downtown, as the Crusader took a 36-31 lead going into halftime.
The third quarter was more of the same for the Crusaders, as Hudson Rommel and Patrick Kilfoil made two three pointers a piece, and Jesuit took a seven point lead going into the fourth quarter.
On Jesuit’s first possession in the fourth, a turnover led to a fast break for the Bruins where forward Bradyden Barron threw down a huge slam, which ignited a 10-2 run from Barlow, as they took a 61-60 lead with five minutes to go.
As turnovers continued to stall the Crusaders possessions, Jesuit found themselves in a dire situation, Barlow’s ball, down four, with a little under a minute left to go in the game.
But a great defensive possession from Jesuit led to a 3 on 2 fast break, as Tyler Curvy passed up an open layup to kick it to freshman Isaac Bongen for 3.
Now down one with 32 seconds left, the Crusaders pressed up on defense, and sophomore Joe Stimpson came away with a clutch steal as the clock read 24.8.
One final play for the Crusaders, Tyler Curvy brought the ball up the court. He made his move to the right, and then shuffled it to Isaac Bongen behind the arc for three.
Jesuit took the 73-71 lead with only five seconds to go.
The Bruins quickly raced down the court and heaved a midrange two, but it was just short.
The student section storms the court as Jesuit found themselves with a 8-4 record going into Metro League play.
Top Scorers for Jesuit: Patrick Kilfoil had 23 points, Isaac Bongen had 14, and Nico Rafalovich had 10.
