Coming off of a 58-42 win over St. John Jesuit, head coach Chris Salata '94 led the Wildcats and their 5-1 record into a contest against St. Vincent-St. Mary Saturday afternoon.
Saint Ignatius has been a force all season long, its only loss coming in a one possession game in Canton versus the McKinley Bulldogs.
Despite the team's strong record, Coach Salata decided it was time for a change in the starting lineup, as he inserted Jack Kennedy at guard.
The Wildcats came into the game with an apparent height advantage, and looked to drive the ball down low in the first quarter. This was prevented by the Irish and their run 'n gun style of offense, and the 'Cats trailed 17-7 after the first quarter.
The struggles would continue into the second quarter for Saint Ignatius, as the Cats fell behind by as many as 18 points before ending the half on an 11-0 run to cut the deficit to seven by halftime.
The Wildcats had been unable to use Kevin Davet's height to their advantage, as he walked into the locker room with only two points under his belt, but they had made a significant breakthrough at the end of the quarter with their 11-0 run.
The third quarter proved to be a success for the Wildcats, as Kevin Davet scored six points, and the Wildcats erased the deficit completely, taking a tie game into the fourth quarter.
At one point during the fourth quarter, Saint Ignatius led 48-44, but that lead would not hold up, and the game was tied at 50 with two minutes remaining.
After a layup and pair of made free throws by Tevin Jackson, the Wildcats led 54-50 with 30 seconds remaining, but that lead would be erased by two quick baskets by the Irish and the game was sent to overtime.
During overtime, the Wildcats quickly fell behind by four, but came back with efficient free throw shooting to make it a tie game at 58, and a pair of made free throws by Tevin Jackson knotted the game at 60 and sent it to a second overtime.
Tevin Jackson would foul out early in the second overtime, and the 'Cats would fill the hole at point guard using Lukas Bielek and Patrick Russell in the backcourt.
The game was tied at 64 with ten seconds left when Lukas Bielek drove the ball down the floor, cut into the lane and dished it off to Kevin Davet, who finished at the rim with two seconds left to give the Wildcats a 66-64 lead.
The Irish still had time for a full court heave, but the shot would not go and Saint Ignatius ended up with the win to improve to 6-1 on the season.
The Wildcats were led in scoring by Lukas Bielek who had a season high 19 points, Kevin Davet helped out with 12 points including the game winner off of the assist by Bielek.
The next test for the JV Wildcats will be Friday night in Sullivan Gymnasium as they prepare to take on Glen Oak High School, tip off set for 5:30 p.m., with the Varsity action beginning at 7:00.