FAIRFIELD, Conn. The Notre Dame-Fairfield boys basketball team was slowed down for three quarters by Ludlowe in the eighth annual Fairfield Holiday Classic. But the Lancers used their speed in the fourth to pull away for a 58-49 victory to return to the tournament's championship game.
Id like to win this [tournament]. Were really going to try, Notre Dame head coach Vin Laczkoski said. We actually have three guys hurt and one left the team, so we were a little shell-shocked heading into this game. We played a lot of young guys and we need to step up, but were going to be okay.
Ludlowe frustrated the Lancers throughout the first half, slowing the game to a pace the Falcons could thrive on. Ludlowe and Notre Dame entered the locker room at halftime tied at 24-24.
The second half was a different story, however, as Notre Dames Arkel Miles dominated the Falcons on defense, pulling down 11 rebounds. Ludlowe was held to just one field goal until the final minute of the third frame.
Miles tied for a team-high 13 points with Dan Upchurch. Freshman CJ Davidson came off the bench to net nine of his 11 points in the fourth quarter, helping the Lancers pull away.
Notre Dame benefited from Ludlowe foul trouble, getting to the free throw line 15 times. The Lancers were 14-for-26 from the line, including seven free-throw points from Earl Coleman.
I think a lot of people thought this would be a difficult game for us to hang around in. But we held them to just seven points in the second and that was a big boost for us, Ludlowe head coach Brian Silvestro said. We got better tonight. We played hard to the end and competed.
Connor Perterson led the Falcons with a game-high 21 points. Mark Ceruli finished with 11 points, and Justin Berardino added 10 for Ludlowe.
Notre Dame (4-1) will play Warde (2-2) Friday at 8 p.m. at Alumni Hall at Fairfield University for the Fairfield Holiday Classic championship. Neither team has won the title since the tournament was reinstated in 2004. Ludlowe (1-3) will take on Prep (4-1) in the consolation game at 6 p.m.
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