Boys Basketball: Tyler Ulis leads Marian to Dipper victory

Updated: December 27, 2011 12:08PM

When Speaking about his three-man backcourt, Marian Catholic coach Mike Taylor can’t help but smile.

In sophomores Ki-Jana Crawford and 20-point scorer Tyler Ulis, and junior Christian Halley, the Spartans are young, quick and built for the future.

Playing on the opening day of the 39th McDipper tournament at Rich South, Ulis and his backcourt mates led Marian Catholic to a 57-44 win Monday over Bolingbrook.

“They’re young, tough and smart,” Taylor said. “Ki-Jana is such a nice compliment to Tyler, and IQ-wise they think alike. They play well off each other, and Christian is very productive for us as he’s learning the game. It’s fun to watch them compete.”

Ulis had 16 points and six assists, and Crawford and Halley (4 steals) scored seven points apiece for Marian Catholic (6-3).

The Spartans, who received 12 points and eight rebounds from Erik Crittendon, will play No. 6 Bloom today at 7 p.m. in the quarterfinals.

“We’ve been playing together for quite awhile, and we feel very comfortable,” Ulis said.

A 9-0 run capped by two Ulis free throws with 4:37 remaining in the fourth quarter gave Marian Catholic a 47-33 advantage.

The Raiders (5-4) responded by scoring three baskets in a flurry to draw within eight points.

After finding Crittendon for a short jumper, Ulis added a floater on a drive to the basket. Josh Cohn then connected with Halley for an alley-oop as Marian took a 53-39 lead in the final minutes.

“When they got close toward the end, they started pressuring, and we like that,” Ulis said. “We’re so little and quick. We can get right by them.”

Ulis sealed the win by going 5-for-6 from the free-throw line in the fourth quarter.

Ben Moore paced Bolingbrook with 16 points.

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