PHILADELPHIA–The Charlottesville Cardinals started their Saturday morning with a bang by downing the 14th-ranked New York Rollin’ Knicks, 68-60. The win became the Cardinals 20th win of the season and marked their 11th straight 20-win season.
The Knicks attacked quickly with a full court press and jumped to a 16-6 lead after only five and half minutes of play. After a Cardinals’ time out, the Charlottesville squad regrouped, clamped down on defense, and began exploiting the offensive opportunities provided by the New York press.
After taking a 35-28 halftime edge, the Cardinals continued to control the game throughout the second half, building a 15-point lead with just over five minutes to play, and eventually registering a 68-60 win.
The Cardinals’ Mike Looney led all scorers with 26 points, followed by Brandon Rush with 22, and Chris Robinson with 12.
Facing the 7th-ranked Bay City Thunder in the afternoon game, the Cardinals again had a rocky start and fell behind 12-4 early in the contest before battling back to a 29-all halftime tie.
With eight minutes left in the game the two teams remained tied at 42 apiece but Bay City built a three point edge at 48-45 with six minutes to play and held off the Cardinals to claim a 62-53 victory.
Mike Looney led Cardinals’ scorers with 22 points and Brandon Rush had 15.
The Cardinals will again face the New York Rollin’ Knicks on Sunday morning in the semi-final round of the tournament.