Boys Basketball: St Rita stalls Providence late

Updated: February 7, 2012 9:46PM

After watching Providence rally several times during a Catholic League crossover Tuesday night, visiting St. Rita had to do the same late in a 70-64 victory.

The Mustangs, who blew a 10-point third-period lead, outscored the Celtics 13-4 over the last 1:44.

“I knew it’d be close,” said St. Rita star Tony Hicks, who scored all but two of his 23 points in the second half. “It’s just being a leader, being a senior and taking back control of the game.”

Hicks had five points in the last 1:14, including two free throws after a Providence bench technical that gave the Mustangs (13-8, 9-1) a 61-60 lead. Sophomore Dominique Matthews had a steal and layup twice after that to clinch the win.

“These kids have great heart and fight and they don’t quit,” said Providence coach Tim Trendel, whose team rallied throughout the first three-and-a-half quarters. “But we’ve been in a spot like this a couple times and need to just get over that hump.”

Three times in the first half it looked like St. Rita would pull away.

After falling behind by a point, the Mustangs scored nine in a row, capped by a three-pointer from Charles Matthews, for a 23-15 lead early in the second period. And St. Rita had threes on three consecutive possessions for a 32-25 lead.

But the Celtics (12-9, 3-5) hung with the North leaders behind Mike Marietti (24 points, 12 rebounds). He had 11 of Providence’s 14 second-period points, including consecutive rebound baskets to close the half after St. Rita took a 32-25 lead.

While Hicks was held to two points in the first half, Charles Matthews had 11 points and six rebounds.

“I’ve been in a slump the last couple games, but other guys have stepped up,” Hicks said.

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