In a District 9-5A battle, the Crusaders scored 18 points in the final period to win 46-42 over the Jesuit Blue Jays and keep their hopes of a district title alive.
After leading 10-7 after the first quarter, the Blue Jays controlled most of the game until 2:00 minutes remaining in the game. Led by Irv Smith, a spirited Crusader team fought hard to come from behind and earn the win.
Coming off the bench, senior Travis Epps hit a critical 3-pointer to bring the Crusaders within two points of the lead at 39-37. Senior guard Luke Walker hit two successful free-throws to knot things up at 39-39 on the following possession. After a Crusader missed shot, Irv Smith battled for the rebound and made the put-back layup to give Brother Martin a 41-39 lead.
Jesuit recaptured the lead at 42-41 on their next possession. With less than one minute remaining, the Crusaders desperately needed a score. Smith stepped up and nailed a 12-foot jump shot to give the Crusaders a lead with 30 seconds remaining. Guard Jared West came up with a crucial steal and made 3-of-4 free throws following that sequence to put the game away.
The victory put the Crusaders (19-7, 4-2) a game out of first place in district play as they get set for a rematch against district leader St. Augustine on Tuesday night. Tipoff is set for 7:15 pm at St. Augustine.
