Freshman Michael Mann (33) attempts a short jumper in the loss to Lizo B.
Lizo B’s men’s intramural basketball team cruised to its second consecutive double-digit win to start the season with a 26-point route of Clark B.
The team used a commanding defensive effort through most of the first half and into the second half Tuesday to earn a 51-25 victory.
Lizo B racked up 17 points to start the game while holding its opponent scoreless through the first seven and a half minutes of play.
Clark B narrowed the gap with an 11-4 run over the last six minutes of the first half, but Lizo B maintained a 27-16 lead at the break.
Though the team showed signs of a comeback late in the first half, Clark B could not muster the same effort in the second half.
Lizo B only allowed eight points in the second frame, extending its lead to 26 behind solid outings from seniors Jordan Ludovissie and Ray Guthrie.
Ludovissie led all scorers with 14 points and said the team is hitting its stride as it moves through the season.
“We had a lot of rotation (defensively),” Ludovissie said about his team’s effort in the second half. “We were all on the same page. I just attribute it to the hard work of the team. There’s a lot of heart on this team. I’m really proud to be a part of it.”
Though Ludovissie was the leading scorer for his team, he struggled from beyond the arc, missing all but one of his 3-point attempts.
However, Guthrie said there is no cause for concern.
“You know, Jordan will bounce back,” he said. “He’s a great team player. We all have confidence in him and I know he’ll come back better next game.”
The win is Lizo B’s second straight victory of more than 25 points, as it started the season with a 30-point win.
Guthrie said it can be attributed to the team’s hard work during the week.
“We’re feeling pretty confident,” he said. “I mean, I owe it all to our amazing coach. He keeps pushing us in practice and it’s paying off for us.”
Story by Nick Dolan, Assistant Sports Editor