Now this is how you do it.
Loyola Academy put on a “finishing clinic” to put away visiting Brother Rice 58-42 on Dec. 22.
The Ramblers (7-2) went on a 16-0 run midway through the fourth quarter to break open a tight game.
LA’s Kevin Cunningham came up with some unbelievable free-throw shooting. He went 10-for-10 from the line in the final two minutes and 18 seconds. He was 12-for-12 for the game.
The senior guard, who drilled three of four three-pointers to cap off the first quarter, ended up with a career-high 27 points. He also had five rebounds, including four in the fourth quarter.
“That’s the best game we’ve played all year. Our most complete game,” said LA head coach Tom Livatino.
Pete Mangan also had an impressive fourth quarter. The senior got things going, when he converted consecutive drives down the lane off feeds from John Lynch.
“Kevin and Pete showed their value all over the court,” Livatino said.
Speaking of value, the game also served as a fundraiser for stage IV cancer research. LA and Brother Rice teamed up, including having their players go into the stands and pass offering baskets during halftime, to net $4,500 for the charity.
The LA coach also loved seeing a bunch of ex-players in the building.
“That made tonight a trifecta,” said Livatino. “A win, the alums in the house and then raising money and shining a light on such a great cause.”
LA’s Game Balls: Kevin Cunningham (Sr., G), Pete Mangan (Sr., G), Vahe Kalayjian (Sr., G)
Brother Rice’s Game Balls: Marquise Kennedy (Jr., G), Brendan Coghlan (Sr., G)
Player of the Game: Cunningham
LA’s Stat Leaders
— Cunningham (27 points, 12-for-12 at foul line, 5 rebounds)
— Connor Barrett (10 points)
— Kalayjian (8 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists)
— Mangan (6 points, 2 rebounds, 5 assists, 1 block, 2 charges taken)
— John Lynch (2 points, 3 assists)
— Bennett Kwiecinski (4 points)
Brother Rice Stat Leaders
— Coughlan (13 points)
— Kennedy (10 points)
Notable: LA coach Tom Livatino said that he gave his team a day off during finals week. Which was a new tactic for the LA coach. “Usually, I’m allergic to having days off,” he said, with a smile. … Holding Brother Rice to 42 points was no easy task. “They are a hard team to guard,” said Livatino. “They don’t have a player who can’t shoot.” … With the loss, Brother Rice fell to 6-5 on the season.