(CHAMBERSBURG, Pa.) – It was a senior day worth celebrating as Wilson defeated Cairn to secure a home game in the United East Championship that starts next week. After their double-overtime thriller this season, it was to no one's surprise that this was a tight contest for the full 40 minutes with neither team gaining a lead of more than seven points.
The Basics
Score: Wilson 77, Cairn 74
Venue: Wilson 11-14, 9-7 UE; Cairn 12-13, 9-7 UE
How It Happened
- It was a game of runs to start the contest as makes by Armani Jones (Jr., Chicago, Ill. / Christ The King Prep / Bryant & Stratton), Gary Robertson (Gr., Washington, D.C. / Bryant & Stratton), and Jalen Pierce (Jr., Richmond, Va. / Collegiate) put the Phoenix up 7-2. Cairn was quick to respond with three consecutive 3-pointers to take the lead, but the Blue and White reeled off the next nine points, their largest run of the night. They eventually built a 20-13 lead after a Robertson layup midway through the first for their largest lead of the game. Although Cairn did take the lead shortly after, Wilson was able to get back in front and stay there the rest of the half and take some momentum into the locker room after Jones scored a tip-in at the buzzer to make the score 38-34.
- Cairn once again used long-range shots to its advantage and took the lead at the start of the second with back-to-back treys. Four of the first five made field goals were behind the 3-point line for the Highlanders which helped them take a 51-46 lead 4:40 into the second.
- Thankfully the Phoenix were able to answer most of the time and stayed within reach. It paid off as they went on an 8-0 run after the midway point of the frame to take a 64-60 lead. Wilson never trailed again, but the Phoenix weren't out of the woods just yet as they also couldn't pull away. After Cairn tied the game twice, Nirobi Peeler Jr. (Jr., Largo, Fla. / Clearwater / Millersville) swished a midrange jumper with 76 left. After Jones pulled down the rebound and Cairn was forced to foul, Keys hit four free throws to seal the victory.
Inside The Numbers
- The Phoenix featured a quintet in double-figures led by Robertson with 17 points. He was 7-for-15 overall with four rebounds and three steals.
- Jones and Pierce each finished with 16. Jones tallied his ninth double-double of the season with 11 rebounds, the fourth consecutive game he's pulled down at least 10 caroms.
- Pierce was a problem for the Highlanders all over the court. He was 7-for-8 overall from the field, while defensively he made five steals. Three of them directly led to six points.
- With his five steals, Pierce became the single-season steals leader in program history, surpassing Robertson who made 44 swipes a season ago.
- Peeler Jr. added 15 with three 3-pointers, while Keys scored 10.
Senior Sendoff
- Keys and Robertson were honored prior to tip-off for their contributions to the program.
Up Next
A rubber match awaits Wilson as it hosts Saint Elizabeth on Wednesday at a time to be determined.
