Nov. 21, 2005

Box Score

STEVENSON, MD - Villa Julie (3-0) twice rallied from eight-point second half deficits and maintained a slim overtime advantage to trim Johns Hopkins (2-1), 81-78, in the championship game of the Pride of Maryland Men's Basketball Tournament on Sunday.

After going up 37-31 at halftime, Hopkins twice built leads of as much as eight within the first 10 minutes of the second half. The Mustangs countered both times, eventually forcing a 68-67 lead with 1:13 remaining in regulation. Hopkins junior Matt Griffin (Glen Mills, PA/Penncrest) knocked down three free throws during the final minute, while Villa Julie senior Steven Segears made two of his own to force the overtime period.

Villa Julie pulled ahead in the first minute of overtime, as a basket by Segears and a three-pointer from freshman Elysian Richardson put the Mustangs up, 75-70. Richardson extended the lead to 80-76, making a free throw with 26 seconds remaining.

During the overtime period, Hopkins only made two field goals, while Villa Julie made four.

The Blue Jays had a pair of scorers reach the 20-point plateau, as junior Danny Nawrocki (Syosset, NY/Chaminade) and Griffin both had 23 points. Nawrocki posted his first double-double of the season, adding 12 rebounds, while Griffin pulled in eight.

Four Mustangs got into double figures, including Segears, who scored 21 points with six assists. Senior Anthony Fitzgerald had a double-double, with 15 points and 10 rebounds. Villa Julie also got 17 points from sophomore Kerry Dugan, who was 5-of-6 from the free throw line.

This was the second overtime win for the Mustangs in as many days, as Villa Julie got to the finals by beating Washington College, 100-93, in double overtime on Saturday night.

Both Griffin and junior T.J. Valerio (Blue Bell, PA/St. Joseph's Prep) were named to the Pride of Maryland All-Tournament Team.

Hopkins has six days off before traveling to Greenville, S.C. to face Division I Furman on Saturday, Nov. 26. Game time has not been announced.