(Albany, NY)

 -After forcing Watervliet into turnovers on their first four possessions of the game and jumping out to a 13-0 lead it looked as though Mekeel Christian were going to coast to an easy victory in this non-league clash. Especially since Watervliet had played a tough Colonial Council game last night and was on short rest. This however wasn't the case. In a game that featured 8 lead changes ,and multiple scoring runs by both teams, Mekeel Christian squeaked by Watervliet 61-60 at the Albany Armory on Saturday afternoon.

-After the quick Mekeel start Watervliet bounced back with a 19-5 second quarter advantage to grab a 30-26 lead at the break. The Cannoneers held the Lions to one made field goal in the 2nd quarter.

-Watervliet continued to lead throughout the third period and held a 43-38 advantage with under a minute left in the period. From that point on Mekeel grabbed control of the contest going on a 13-2 run giving them a 6 point cushion, 51-45, midway through the final period. The Cannonneers were able to cut the deficit to 1 point a couple of times throughout the last four minutes of the game but they never could regain the lead.

-Osvaldo Dejesus led the winners with 21 points scoring in a variety of ways and using great body control in the paint. Richard Rollins added 15 points, Joshua Winfield chipped in with 13 points and Alex Barnhill had 10 points.

(Osvaldo Dejesus)

 (Richard Rollins)

-Messiah Mallory led Watervliet with 19 points. Khari Croley netted 11 points including a crowd pleasing coast to coast dunk. Derrick Beason added 10 points. J.J. Chestnut chipped in with 9 points and 9 assists.

 (Messiah Mallory)

 (Khari Croley)

 Box Score with full play by play HERE:

Win % probability during the game.

 Full game video highlights

broken down by team & players.

(Click team logo)

Game flow chart:

By Ed Bemiss

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