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Wildcats Halt the Griffins to Win Second Straight

By Justin Dedrick '23, 02/02/23, 3:30PM EST

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The Cats protect their home court with a dominating third quarter as they focus on St. Edward and Glenville this weekend.

OHIO CITY, Oh - After an eventful and heartfelt senior night, the Wildcats had their next matchup at home against Akron Buchtel. The Cats came into the matchup with a 10-6 record and were looking to improve their win streak to two before the heated rivalry rematch looming against St. Edward.

The Griffins started the game red hot from beyond the arc, drilling three quick threes and putting the Cats down early. It was clear that Buchtel wanted to focus on perimeter shooting and so the Cats needed to adjust to it. Once they did, they settled down and clawed back, led by a three from Reece Robinson. After one period, it was tied at 18. 

To start the second quarter, the Cats let up an early run again, but two big threes by Mike Lamirand and Carter Jackson kept them close. Jackson also had a steal that led to a tough fastbreak finish. Despite a strong quarter from Jackson, the Cats trailed at half 31-28. 

The Cats quickly took the lead to start the third off an Ace Buckner three. Bucker showed out in the third quarter, nailing three threes and adding an excellent dish to Maruca for an easy lay. Robinson also contributed with a putback layup and it had seemed that the Wildcats finally switched momentum to their side. The Wildcats ended the third quarter leading 50-43. 

The final quarter was all Wildcats as they finally got to a rhythm. Robinson finished off a sweet pass from Buckner and then Lamirand knocked down a triple. The Cats started coasting through the final five minutes as they had finally shut down the Griffins three point shooting. To seal the game, Bucker threw down a monster slam on a fastbreak to make the crowd erupt. The Cats took home the 68-56 win. 

SIBN Players of the Game vs. Akron Buchtel: Mike Lamirand & Ace Buckner

Bucker had an incredible showing for the Wildcats as he dropped 20 points, five boards, seven assists and a steal. Mike Lamirand's performance deserves note as he received his first career varsity start. He had six points, a whopping nine points and showed out on the defensive end with steals, blocks and great on-ball defense. 

Next up for the Wildcats is the still-undefeated Eagles from Lakewood. The Cats hope to get revenge in this rivalry matchup and this time, they will be in the Sullivan Gym in front of the massive student section, all wearing their best costumes. Tip-off will be at 7 p.m. and the SIBN will have live coverage.