Sports

Marin Catholic Falls to Drake in MCAL Semi-Final

Wildcats tie it up, but can't hold on for the win.

In the end, it came down to free throws.

With less than 30 seconds in the game, David Ahern scored to bring the Wildcats within one of Drake (38-37). Ahern was fouled on the shot too, bringing him to the line and giving Marin Catholic a chance to tie the game again. But, unfortunately for the Wildcats, he missed.

Drake then made four out of five free throws – from three different players – to seal the win for Drake 42-37 over Marin Catholic.

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“I thought we kept our composure and fought our way back,” said Marin Catholic Coach Mike Saia.

The Wildcats had a lot of fight to come back from being down 14-4 in the first quarter, going on a run to bring the score to 23-19 at the half and then tying the game up during the third period.

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On a basket from Wildcat Mike Padovese, Marin Catholic tied the game at 26-26 with two minutes to go in the third quarter.

“He had his best game of the year,” said Saia.

Shots – and missed shots – went back and forth as Drake pulled ahead and Marin Catholic quickly tied the game up again.

With both teams playing outstanding and aggressive defense, play got down and dirty in the last corner. As both crowds chanted and multiple plays ended with scuffles on the floor, each team’s coaches inched onto the court to argue calls. Both team’s foul count skyrocketed in the last quarter – leading to the huge number of free throws in last two minutes.

Though Marin Catholic’s MCAL play-off run is over, they’re looking ahead to the North Coast Section play next week. Seeding will be announced Sunday for the NCS tournament. 

“We’d like to play tomorrow, but we’re looking forward to next week,” said Saia.

 


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