John Carroll used an uplifting press and tenacious defense in the fourth quarter to put the Patriots past host and upset-minded C. Milton Wright, 46-44, Thursday night in a non-league boys basketball game between two schools separated by less than two miles.
The loss was the first for the Mustangs, who reeled off 12 straight wins to begin the season. John Carroll, meanwhile, improved to 22-1.
"We played John Carroll defense, we hold teams to 43 points per game and we gave up 44 tonight," Patriots coach Tony Martin said. "This atmosphere was great for the boys, it was obviously a challenge for us. Congratulations to C. Milton Wright, but we feel good about our win."
CMW, which trailed by two, 18-16, at the half, outscored the Patriots, 20-9, in quarter three to go ahead, 36-27, the game's largest lead by either team. Mychal Stefanides scored 10 of his game-high 17 points to spur the Mustangs.
Chris Lorenzo came off the Mustangs bench to score two three-point baskets. The first came in quarter two, giving the Mustangs a 16-15 lead; he added another during the Mustangs big third quarter.
John Carroll then went to work to start the fourth. A five-second inbounds call against CMW fueled a 9-0 John Carroll run. A second five-second infraction in the scoring run played right into the hands of the Patriots, who tied the game at 36.
Stefanides scored the next four points to put CMW back ahead, 40-38, but freshman Immanuel Quickley (15 points) knocked down his second three-point shot to put the Patriots back ahead, 41-40.
Elijah Long, who was shut out for three quarters, came up big for the Patriots in the final quarter. Long's three-pointer was part of the game-changing run early and his steal and layup with 1:18 left gave John Carroll its final points and a 46-42 lead.
Henry Cuffee (11 points) added two free throws for CMW and when John Carroll's Kevin Kangu missed the front end of an one-in one, Corey Bays rebounded the ball and let a long shot fly as time ran out. The ball bounced off the backboard and rim, sending the Patriots away with the win.
Kimbal Mackenzie and Malik Tyne added 10 points each for the Patriots and Bays had eight for the Mustangs.
"I can't ask for anymore than our kids gave, " Mustangs coach Jon Stefanides said. "We came in, everybody said we would lose by 30 and we said just go out, have fun and enjoy the moment. I've gotta say they enjoyed the moment. They're a little bummed out they lost, but they're still pretty darn happy."
Warriors beat Bobcats
Havre de Grace (10-2) got 23 points and seven rebounds from Krs Yancey in a non-division, 59-53, win over visiting Bel Air (5-7).
Mariners beat Eagles
Joppatowne (11-1) won its non-division game at Bo Manor (4-10), 65-48.
Montrell Horsey led the Mariners with 19 points and Jermaine Head Jr. added 13 points.