Senior Randy Stephens scored 17 points, including two pivotal baskets down the during the crucial run to lead Mount Vernon over Seton Catholic, 64-48 in a National Division game at the 20th annual STOP-DWI Holiday Classic.
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Down four at the half and two heading into the fourth quarter, Mount Vernon put together a devastating 19-4 run in the game's final five minutes to secure the 18-point victory. Following Seton Catholic senior Tom Torto's three-point play with over five minutes remaining to bring the Saints within one, 45-44, Mount Vernon began to pull away.
Mount Vernon, who's pesky defense picked up 13 steals, moves onto the fifth place game against St. Rita on Friday morning at 11:15 a.m., while Seton Catholic will face-off with Dixie Heights in the seventh place matchup at 9:30 a.m. Friday morning.
Playing at a heightened pace, the Knights outscored Seton 25-7 in the fourth quarter on the strength of a lopsided 37-17 overall rebounding advantage. Mount Vernon, who trailed most of the game, shot 47 percent (26-of-55) from field, making just one three-pointer.
After scoring just four points in Wednesday night's loss to St. Thomas, Tom Torto had a game-high 29 points (14 in the first half) for Seton Catholic, who held a 33-29 halftime lead. Torto, who is 0-for-10 from the three-point line for the tournament, converted two big old-fashioned three-point plays to help Seton build a lead as large as ten in the first half.
In the third quarter, Seton continued to hold its lead riding the steady play of Torto and taking a 41-39 lead into the fourth quarter. However, 16 second chance points by Mount Vernon assisted in the overwhelming run.
Mount Vernon senior Isaiah Cousins and junior Jamal Lewis each recorded double-digit efforts for the Knights, scoring 13 and 11 points, respectively.
On Friday Mt. Vernon defeats St. Rita, 61-55, to claim 5th place in the STOP-DWI Holiday Classic