The top two seeds in the GAC / Suburban Shootout put on a show Friday night at Lindenwood University as Liberty defeated Parkway Central 68-61.
It was a physical game from the opening tip with Parkway Central capturing the early momentum. After trailing early, the Eagles put together some solid possessions to finish the opening quarter only trailing 16-12. Devin Rice led Central in the early part of the ball game knocking down a few three point baskets. Key to the comeback was foul trouble for Parkway Central with the Eagles in the bonus before the end of the first quarter.
Liberty would take advantage of the Central foul trouble in the 2nd quarter. The Eagles forced Central into difficult defensive match ups with Devion Harris and Corey Rice playing limited minutes. Liberty carried a 30-27 lead into halftime.
Liberty would extend their lead early in the 3rd quarter to only see Parkway Central storm back with DeAndre Campbell and Devin Rice carrying the load. Campbell would finish the game with 33 points to lead the Colts.
Liberty’s patience on the offensive end and ability to contain the sharpshooting Jake Silvestri proved to be enough as the Eagles knocked off the previously unbeaten Colts. Kaleb Overall finished with 19 points, Kale Catchings had 18 and Jayce Catchings ended with 12 to lead the Eagles.
St. Louis basketball fans may get the opportunity to see these two teams square off again as part of the MICDS Holiday Tournament should both teams advance to the championship game.
(Photo Courtesy of Rick Ulreich of www.stltoday.com)
