University dispatches former PAC foe North

University staves off a late comeback bid by former Premier Athletic Conference foe North for a 68-61 victory. John Nestor had 14 points for US. Mike Coutee was on the scene for the action.

University came out flat in the first half, turning the ball over and allowing open 3-pointers.

However, everything changed in a matter of minutes starting in the second half. The Preppers came out strong, rebounding the ball and hitting shots to come back and defeat North, 68-61.

At the 6:10 mark in the third, University cut the deficit to 37-34 on Matt Kalady’s 3. Three minutes later, John Nestor’s layup gave the Preppers the lead for the first time since the first quarter.

Nestor finished with 14 points, followed by O’Mahn Dobbins with 13.

“We did better in the second half on our second and third shot defense,” US coach Sean McDonnell said. “I think the rebounding and our defense really helped us a lot to hurry and go back on offense to make our shots.”

North tried to make a comeback late. Jake Tanski’s 3 cut the deficit to one at one point. Brandon Barron connected on a 3 with 22 seconds to go.

Barron led North in scoring with 20 points.

“That was our chance to take over if we would’ve made our shots in the second half,” Rangers coach Rob Koelling said. “In the third quarter, we weren’t communicating on defense. And when we pushed the floor in transition, we had some easy looks down the floor and the team didn’t do enough tonight.”

With University up, 2217, North started the second quarter on a 14-2 run for a 31-24 lead, its biggest of the game.

University will be at Riverside on Jan. 2. North will play Kenston on Jan. 5.