THE REPORTER
University’s boys took control of the Pioneer Academic Athletic Conference North division standings with a 51-38 win at Seton Catholic Monday night.
Junior Sabien Cain poured in 25 points while seniors Kahmi Bracey (13 points) and Seth Hogg (10 points) also reached double figures for the Trailblazers who remained undefeated in six games this season.
University used its full-court pressure to jump out to a 15-4 lead in the first quarter and the Blazers led throughout.
Robert Russell got the Blazers on the board first with a three-point shot from the right wing. Cain followed with a score off a rebound for a 5-0 lead. University then scored seven points in 30 seconds. Cain hit a three pointer off a Russell assist, then added a pair of foul shots after a Hogg steal. Bracey had a steal and layin to make it 12-2 University. Cain followed with another three-pointer to put University up 15-4 with 3:31 left in the period. The Blazers did not score again the period, but held Seton Catholic to just a pair of foul shots.
University stretched its lead to 31-16 at halftime. Cain had seven points in the period with Hogg adding six. Bracey hit a buzzer beating three-pointer for the 15-point halftime advantage.
The Blazers maintained the pressure in the third quarter pushing their advantage to 44-20 with 2:45 remaining in the third quarter. The Cardinals would not go away as they ran off 16 straight points over the end of third quarter and start of the fourth quarter to cut the lead to 44-36 with 6:50 left in the game.
University’s defense and patient offense stabilized the lead. Cain stemmed the run with a pair of free throws with 4:12 left. University held Seton Catholic scoreless for the last 3:05 of the game and made its free throws down the stretch.
Trailblazer mentor Brandon Lafferman was excited to get a road win. “Traveling to Richmond to play Seton is always tough,” he said. “Coach Juergen’s teams always play hard and are well coached. I’m thrilled with our effort and ability to get a tough win on the road. Our boys will enjoy a few days off before we begin preparing for some tough 4A competition in the Roncalli tournament.”
University is now 2-0 in the PAAC North. Seton Catholic falls to 5-2 overall, 1-1 in conference. The win was University’s 28th consecutive PAAC North triumph. The Blazers can clinch their seventh consecutive division title Jan. 13 at Muncie Burris. University has won five straight PAAC championship games.
The Trailblazers will play the host Royals in the opening game of the Roncalli Holiday Tournament on Dec. 29. Floyd Central and Mount Vernon complete the tournament field.
UNIVERSITY 51, SETON CATHOLIC 38
University FG FT TP PF
Kahmi Bracey 5 2-3 13 3
Robert Russell 1 0-0 3 1
Sabien Cain 9 4-5 25 3
Seth Hogg 3 2-3 10 3
Steven Scott 0 0-0 0 2
Bryce Gray 0 0-0 0 0
Jackson Bledsoe 0 0-0 0 0
Zien Bland 0 0-0 0 0
Cooper Cammack 0 0-0 0 3
Totals 18 8-11 51 15
Score by Quarters
University 15 16 13 7 – 51
Seton Catholic 6 10 12 10 – 38
University 3-point shooting (6) Cain 3, Hogg 2, Bracey 1.