Purnell’s big night helps SSPP top Queen Anne’s
The Saints Peter and Paul boys basketball team picked up their most impressive win of the season Monday night when they defeated Queen Anne's 56-53 in the Overtime Christmas Tournament. The loss drops the Lions to 4-2 on the year.
The Lions would be on the attack early on as Nick Dunkerly would hit a couple 3 pointers in the first quarter to help his team to a 13-10 lead after the first. Dunkerly would have a huge night, finishing with a game-high 28, but the Sabres would find their groove. Tyrese Purnell would begin to attack the basket and get a couple scores underneath. With time running down in the first half, the Sabres would swing the ball to the corner where Purnell would drill a long ball to give his team a 6 point lead at the break.
Saints Peter and Paul continued to push in the second half as Lamont Powell and Naail Thompson both were able to generate some point in transition as the lead would stretch to 7. The Lions then came roaring back as Mike D'Angelo was able to get a couple scores underneath, with Mikey Monroe adding a couple layups himself. Queen Anne's would take the lead, but the Sabres never blinked. Powell would hit a three to put his team back out in front before Purnell would have a thunderous slam in transition to help the Saints re-take the lead. With just seconds remaining, Dunkerly would be tripped on his way to the basket with his team down 2. He would step to the line for a 1 and 1. There he would hit the first, before missing the second. Powell would get the rebound, and get fouled before a double-technical was called on both teams. Powell would connect on both free throws to push the lead to 3. Down to their last chance, D'Angelo would throw a half court pass to Dunkerly who would launch a shot at the buzzer, but it would be off the mark, giving the Sabres their big win.
Saints Peter and Paul returns to work on Tuesday when they face Arundel in the Championship Game, while Queen Anne's will place Seaford in the consolation game.
