Boys Basketball: Cris Craig’s three lifts Marshall past Lincoln Park

Updated: February 8, 2012 7:19PM

Cris Craig drilled a three from the top of the key with seconds remaining to allow No. 15 Marshall to avoid the upset and advance past Lincoln Park 45-42 in the opening round of the Public League Playoffs.

The Commandos (19-6) will move on to face Young in a rematch of a game the Commandos won just recently.

“We were just trying to get the shot off before the clock ran out,” Craig said. “The ball came to me and I knew it was in as soon as I let it go.”

Craig’s shot came with 1.9 seconds remaining and only left the Ramone Ajose with a desperation heave from the backcourt that came up well short for Lincoln Park (7-15). Craig finished with 11 points.

The Lions trailed the entire game until Ajose made the first of his two free throws to tie the game at 42 with 35 seconds remaining. The senior guard led Lincoln Park with 20 points and eight rebounds and it was his ability to attack the basket that got the Lions back into the game.

The Commandos stormed out to a 22-8 midway through the second quarter. Korbin McClain scored 10 of his 15 points during that stretch including a pair of treys. That’s when the game changed complexion.

“Chris Craig and Deontay McDaniels got in foul trouble and we had to send them to the bench,” Marshall coach Henry Cotton said. “We had a big lead then and the reserves didn’t hold it for us.”

Ajose took advantage by scoring the final 10 points of the second quarter to pull Lincoln Park to within 22-18 at half.

“Ramone is one of the most underrated players in the city,” Lions coach Fil Torres said. “He has been our catalyst all season. He comes to play every game.”

Marshall was playing without leading scorer and rebounder Milton Doyle who was being rested with a bruised knee. He is anticipated to be back for the Young game.

Chris Heaney tallied eight points and eight rebounds for the Lions.

“Sometimes we play to the other team’s level,” Cotton said. “But I give my kids credit because they come out and fight to the end in every game.”

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