Junior Husky/Phoenix: Rez Survives Stratford Central

Yet again, the Resurrection Phoenix survived a comeback attempt from a gritty Stratford Central squad at Resurrection CSS in the Purple and Gold quarterfinals on Friday afternoon.

The same two teams actually played over the Christmas break, with Resurrection winning 74-66 after being up 24 points in the second half.

With Resurrection up double digits in the third quarter, Rez big man Cory Kenning fouled out in the third quarter. Fast forward to the fourth quarter, where starting guard Alphonso Ellis fouls out with the Phoenix up 8 and 4:00 to go. Then things started to get interesting.....

The Rams banked home a three-pointer and surrounded two missed Resurrection shots with two trips where they went to the line and hit 3 of 4 total. This quickly brought the Phoenix lead down to 2 with less than 2:00 to play.

On the ensuing possession, a Stratford steal and layup tied the game. Now under 1:00 to go, a Resurrection tip-out-of bounds turnover gives the ball back to the Rams who score with :15 left to take a two point lead!

A Resurrection time-out and last second play resulted in Adam Schneider being fouled on a three-point attempt with 0:04 on the clock. He calmly stepped to the line and made all three attempts to give the Phoenix a 43-42 lead.

Unfortunately for the Rams, their upset bid fell short as their inbounds pass after a turnover went out of bounds.

Resurrection advances to play the winner of the 5:30pm St. John's/JF Ross quarterfinal.

Adam Schneider was the game's leading scorer and finished with 18 for Resurrection.

RCSS: 13-09-11-07 = 43

STRC: 06-06-15-15 = 42