Boys Basketball: Parker avenges triple-OT loss with rout of Latin

Updated: February 4, 2012 11:50PM

After losing in triple overtime in December, Parker’s Langdon Neal was looking forward to Saturday’s matchup at the Gentile Center on the campus of Loyola University. His dreams came true as he led the Colonels (15-6, 7-2 Independent School League) to a 56-34 victory over Latin Saturday.

“It’s exciting playing on a college floor. You can feel your nerves at the beginning, but once the game gets started you settle down,” said Neal, who finished with 17 points.

The Colonels took control in the second quarter. They closed the first quarter scoring the last four points to take a 15-14 lead. They led 31-23 at the half and held the Romans (13-5, 7-3) without a basket for nine minutes.

Parker outscored Latin 15-4 in the third quarter and led 46-27 heading into the fourth.

“We have to give credit to our coach (John Bongiorno),” said Neal. “His triangle two defense really worked.”

Judd Barron added 12 points and was pleased to avenge December’s loss.

“They’re our chief rival. I don’t know how long our teams have been playing each other, but it goes back a long time.”

Bongiorno was pleased with his team’s effort.

“I felt if we contested every shot we would have a good chance of winning.”

Latin was led by Chaz Stevenson’s 12 points.

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