Erie, PA--On a cold, snowy night in Erie,  the gym of McDowell High School sizzled as the Saint Ignatius Wildcats squared off against the defending Philadelphia city champions, Archbishop Carroll.

The Cats jumped out to a quick 7-0 lead behind the scoring or seniors Austen Yarian and Michael Spear, and the assists of senior point guard Devin Jackson. But the Patriots of Carroll soon settled into the game and quickly fought back behind the shooting of senior Colin Day and the penetration of Justin Anderson.

So the game seesawed, with each team taking its best shot. Carroll hit a late basket to grab a late first quarter lead only for senior Matt Davet to pour in two of his 22 points on a baseline turnaround as the quarter expired.

The Wildcats had difficulty holding their lead in the 2nd quarter as the Patriots raced out to a 40-35 halftime lead. The lead could have grown larger if not for some timely baskets from first-time starter junior Luke Wiskes.

The tenor of the game changed in the third quarter as senior Michael Spear dominated the quarter with 13 points. He found his way around bruising screens from Yarian and Davet to receive perfect passes from point guard Devin Jackson on his way to burying three third quarter 3's. His shooting opened up driving lanes which he exploited for a tough deuce around the rim. And he even ran the break to receive a perfect pass from junior Joshua Ozanne for another layup. Led by Spear, the Cats closed the gap two points at the end of the third.

The Cats continued to push the weary Patriots in the 4th, getting key baskets from Davet, Spear, and Yarian. After a Yarian layup, the Cats had a 69-65 lead with three minutes to play.

But, the Patriots are champions for a reason. Carroll found ways to make a few more plays down the stretch to escape with a 77-73 victory. Spear led the Wildcats with 26 points while Colin Daly led the Patriots with 15.

The Wildcats return in action Saturday afternoon at 2 pm, playing Erie McDowell. The Wildcats' home opener at Sullivan Gymnasium is Friday Dec. 16th against Erie Strong.