Turnovers cost St. Viator in loss to St. Patrick

If St. Viator’s s basketball team had any luck at Cahill gym Friday night it would be all bad.

The Lions turned the ball over 15 times for the game with visiting St. Patrick scoring 17 points in a 61-42 loss to the Shamrocks in an East Suburban Catholic Conference game

The loss drops the Lions to 7-4 and 3-3. The Shamrocks improved to 7-3 and 3-2.

“Those points off of turnovers was a big difference in the game,” said St. Viator coach Michael O’Keefe. “We had difficulty getting the ball inside. They are a very talented. And athletic team.”

Mitch Humphrey did most of the damage for the Lions. He scored half of his team’s 42 points by connecting on 7-11 three-point shots.

Henry Marshall and Brandyn Michaels each scored seven points. The Lions were also outrebounded 29-15.

“It falls on me not getting the team prepared,” said O’Keefe.

The Lions fell behind 20-11 after the first quarter. St.Viator trailed 28-16 at halftime.

The roof fell in during the third quarter when the Shamrocks opened a 43-21 lead with 3:25 left in the quarter. A 7-5 run put the Shamrocks up 52-26 at quarters end.

The Shamrocks’ Harper Korlack only scored 6 points but had 5 steals and 8 assists.

“I felt really good tonight,” said Korlack. “We moved the ball real well. When I got the ball to my teammates they were able to finish the play. We really played well. We had good ball movement.”

“Harper is one of our good ball handlers,” said Bailey. “He can fill a stat sheet with points, assists and steals.“

A.J. Thomas scored 19 points and had 9 rebounds. Nevaeh Hawkins had 15 points to go with 9 rebounds. R.J. McPartin scored 12 points and E.J. Breland tossed in 10.

“Now we have a week of practice to get ready for our rival game with Hersey next Saturday,“ said O’Keffee.