DECEMBER 30, 2004
JOHN CARROLL AND KING'S MEET FOR TOURNEY TITLE
WILKES-BARRE -- Seventh-ranked John Carroll
University broke open a one-point half-time game with a big second half as
the Blue Streaks defeated host King's College 85-68 in the championship
game of the Ramada Inn/Monarch Classic Thursday in Scandlon Gymnasium.
With the win, John Carroll improved to 10-0 on the year while King's
slipped to 8-2.
After taking a 39-38 half-time lead, the Blue Streaks opened the second
stanza with a 19-9 run to build a 58-47 lead on a three-pointer from John
Curran. King's would close to within 61-51 on a pair of Jim Welsh
foul shots, but John Carroll countered with a 10-2 spurt to take a 71-53
lead with 8:28 remaining on a basket by Drew Salata. The Monarchs would
draw no closer than 15 points for the remainder of the game.
Mike Grogan topped John Carroll with 24 points, including 10-of-12 from
the foul line. Brandon Mimes added 14 points, eight rebounds, and three
blocks. Salata added eight points and nine boards while tournament
most valuable player Justin Ragor also netted eight points.
Demetrius Travis chipped in with six points and seven rebounds. John
Carroll outrebounded King's 51-33 and forced 22 Monarch turnovers.
Marty O'Hora topped the Monarchs with 15 points while freshman Vince
Scalzo added 13 points and five boards. Brian Horgan netted nine
points with five rebounds, and five steals before fouling out with just
under 4:00 remaining, while Landon Gabriel added nine
points and five assists.
Adrian defeated Alfred 89-69 in the consolation game.
All-Tournament Team
Quentin Bryant - Alfred
Mike Lewis - Adrian
Marty O'Hora - King's
Brian Horgan - King's
Rory O'Neil - John Carroll
Justin Ragor - John Carroll (MVP)
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