Five Key Questions: Paul VI vs. DeMatha
FAIRFAX, VA — Paul VI defeated DeMatha by a final score of 56-54. Georgetown, Maryland, Virginia, Pitt, and UMBC were among the schools spotted in the crowd. Here we answer five key questions derived from this hard-fought contest.
WHO STOOD OUT FOR PVI?
In the absence of Jeremy Roach and Brandon Slater, several players made significant contributions to the win. We’ll start by mentioning 2019 Anthony Harris, who recorded 18 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals, and hit the eventual game-winner. 2020 Josiah Freeman was the other standout offensively, scoring 12 points on 2 of 3 from downtown. Defensively, 2018 Jeremy Robinson, 2019 Josh Oduro and 2021 Avery Ford (2 steals) each came up with a block, while 2021 Trevor Keels hauled in 7 defensive rebounds.
HOW DID PVI WIN THE GAME?
This may sound sort of like a cliche, but they won the game on the defensive end. PVI did a really good job pressuring the ball and denying DeMatha’s post entry attempts. They also did a decent job limiting second chance opportunities by boxing out consistently as a team.
Anthony Harris scores to give PVI a 2 point lead w/2.1 seconds left pic.twitter.com/RId479m1PJ
— Adam Ayalew (@AyalewAdam) February 17, 2018
WHY WAS THE SCORE OF THIS GAME SO LOW?
These two teams combined to score 171 points between them when they first met in Mid-January, but that number dipped to 110 last night. Why the difference? For PVI, probably because they were missing Jeremy Roach and Brandon Slater, who combined for 43 points in that contest.
WHERE WAS JEREMY ROACH?
We understand that Roach tweaked his ankle and was held out so he can rest. Paul VI had already clinched the top seed for the WCAC tournament, so it probably didn’t make much sense to risk anything by playing him in this game.
WHAT DO WE NEED TO WATCH FOR MOVING FORWARD?
These two teams are looking like the best in the WCAC at the moment. While both will be tested by the other great teams in the league, we wouldn’t be surprised to see them meet up again in the WCAC Championship. If they do meet for a third time, it will certainly be a can’t-miss affair.