nick stauffer/submitted photoThe Cavaliers defeated Immaculata University 69-59 taking their first place and undefeated title away. The Cavs improved to 8-12, 5-6 in their league. They suffered from two tough losses and stepped back in the conference and beat the No. one ranked team.
Coach Greg Herenda said, “That was a signature win for our program. Immaculata has been playing great basketball and I cannot tell you how proud I am of our entire team to knock them off.”
Juniors Ryan Oxley and Matt Walsh came up with big three-point field goals that sparked their offense just at the right time. Freshman Glenn Washington had a great game of 13 points and nine rebounds. Seniors Randy Reid and Bruce MacLelland both posted double-doubles. Reid scored 11 points and came through with 10 rebounds, while MacLelland scored 12 points and 10 rebounds.
“This win was huge for us considering we beat the only undefeated team in the PAC,” Oxley said.
Immaculata held a seven point lead in the first few minutes of the first half. Cabrini took charge with seven straight to take over and held a 19-9 score to create a double-digit lead. The Cavs left the court with a 39-26 lead at half time.
“Our overall team defense was outstanding and if we keep playing like that we can cause a lot of trouble come playoffs,” Reid said.
Cabrini took a 16 point lead at the 16:44 mark, before Immaculata scored 14 points in six minutes bringing the score to a two- point difference. Sophomore Charles Bush scored a three- point basket bringing the Cavs to a four point lead.
Herenda said, “Charles Bush’s floor leadership was crucial and Bruce MacLelland may have played his best overall game to this point. But it was truly about our entire team today.”
Immaculata got within three points at the five minute mark, but the Cavaliers pulled through at the three minute mark and maintained a ten point lead to win.
Herenda said, “We are now fighting for a spot in the PAC tournament and we have the next three of five games at home. We really need our students and fans to come out and continue to make the Dixon Center a great homecourt advantage.”
