By Larry Moko
The team that allowed a league-high 105 points in a game earlier this season seems to be getting its act together defensively.
The St. Thomas More Knights limited the St. Mary Crusaders to just four points in the fourth quarter en route to a 64-45 senior boys' high school basketball victory Wednesday.
It was More's third consecutive Hamilton-Wentworth Catholic league win -- games where the Knights yielded just 45, 51 and 62 points.
Entering the contest at St. Mary, the Crusaders and the Knights were tied in the standings with 5-5 records. But with the result, More vaulted into a share of third place with the Bishop Tonnos Titans.
"We've played better defensively in the last three games," Knights coach Adriano Grilli said.
"We held St. Mary to just 45 tonight, which is great.
"Offensively, we know we can score. We've just got to be committed on the defensive end."
More led 12-7, 30-22 and 45-41 at the quarter breaks.
In the fourth, the Knights opened with back-to-back three-point baskets by Constatino Bistas and Thomas Connolly, plus an emphatic defensive blocked shot by Zion Stevens.
Stevens, Bistas and Connolly were the top scorers for More with 18, 15 and 14 points, respectively.
Said Grilli: "Our guys love shooting. We took about 50 threes against ACMT. We didn't knock many down but if we're open we're definitely going to try and make them.
"We're also not turning the ball over as much. We had been doing it a lot, but we've consistently brought that down in the last three or four games."
For the Crusaders, the top point-getters were Frank Nabutete (nine), Ryan Harrington (eight), Will Hogeterp (seven) Adrian Suarez (six) and Isaiah Johnson (five).
"It just came down to intensity," St. Mary coach Stephanie Demerjian said of the 19-4 run by the visitors during the final eight minutes.
"Both teams were making good shot selections," she said. "Unfortunately, we weren't hitting our shots."
Overall, Demerjian said the Crusaders have been relatively successful in the win-loss column this season.
"Frankie, my new guard coming in, has been playing really well," she said.
Demerjian serves as coach of all three St. Mary boys basketball teams (novice, junior and senior).
"I can't say no," Demerjian said. "I can't get enough of it."
Photos by R.F. (Bob) Butrym, RFB Sport Photography
More photos on HWCDSB Athletics Facebook page
