SOUTHSIDE – Host University Christian (13-2), ranked No. 2 in the Duval Sports Fab Five rankings, had a crushing comeback Friday night to hold of a valiant Bishop Snyder team to remain undefeated in District 2-4A.
The crowd would not be short of action as suspense overflowed throughout the gym from start to finish. In the end, the Christians would prevail 71-56, but not after a game that saw several comebacks, lead changes and spectacular plays by both teams.
The Christians whipped into play to begin the first quarter when Micheal Griffin, Denzel Wiggins and G’Shawn Aldridge each would charge onto the court sinking three point shots while Lenzy Hancock took over and ruled in the paint. Jalen Nesmith and Corey Walker force landed shots in the first while the remaining Cardinal points would be attributed to free throws as the first period would close out as U.C. led Snyder 17-9.
Bishop Snyder and University Christian are tied 6-6 with a little over 4 minutes in the 1st period @DuvalSports pic.twitter.com/qr0MZlsxDa
— Makeda Lawton (@adekam1976) January 12, 2019
The second period turn of events would shake the gym and alter the dynamics of the Christians offense as well as defense. The Cardinals Walker would dish out an array of points allowing Bishop Snyder to gain the lead for the first time during the game. The Cardinals would outscore the Christians 25-9 with a dominating performance to end the second quarter 34-26 with quite a comeback for Snyder.
Nothing but NET Bishop Snyder . UC leads 41-40 with 1:27 left in he 3rd @DuvalSports pic.twitter.com/FEg6DZFBQd
— Makeda Lawton (@adekam1976) January 12, 2019
University Christian would infiltrate the gym to embark upon the third quarter shooting and landing three consecutive back-to-back shots in a row wreaking havoc on the Cardinals defense. Griffin landed his finishing touches when he would splash and sink a couple of three pointers. Rashad Newsome and Denzel Wiggins would launch more 3 pointers from deep down south.
University Christian’s G’Shaun Aldridge and Lenzy Hancock discuss tonight’s game and big win over Bishop Snyder @DuvalSports pic.twitter.com/T3kKye0jM6
— Makeda Lawton (@adekam1976) January 12, 2019
The Cardinals were delayed but not denied as the crowd witnessed Walker deliver a 6 point standoff against the U.C. defense. Subsequently, Snyder managed to gain 10 points in the third, however U.C. would serve up a dish of payback, outscoring the Cardinals 25-10. Both teams would close out the third quarter with U.C. spear heading a narrow 46-44 lead over Bishop Snyder.
UC takes it to the house !! UC leads Bishop Snyder 62-52 with 1:17 left in the 4th @DuvalSports pic.twitter.com/lPqdv2zMow
— Makeda Lawton (@adekam1976) January 12, 2019
The fourth quarter began with much anticipation and speculation to an unbeknownst winner. U.C. and Snyder would exchange a point for point shootout, tugging the lead back and forth between both teams.
Unfortunately for the Cardinals, all hands were on deck literally when Snyder suffered foul trouble allowing U.C. to earn an easy 15 points at the free throw line.
University Christian’s Coach Stroud gives his insights on tonight’s game against Bishop Snyder as well the season @DuvalSports pic.twitter.com/MzUmyuw6G5
— Makeda Lawton (@adekam1976) January 12, 2019
Lenzy Hancock managed to lead U.C. with a total of 20 points while Griffin followed closely with 18, Newsome added 11 points and both Aldridge and Wiggins chipped in with 10 points each.
