Balanced attack carries Bishop Guertin past Central, 62-48

NASHUA, NH — Bishop Guertin’s Jake McGowan scored 16 points, leading four Cardinals in double figures in a 62-48 win over Central, Tuesday night.

The junior guard also had six steals and pulled down eight rebounds, helping BG move over the .500 mark (5-4) for the first time this season.

”We won and that’s great but we know what we’re capable of and we know what we have to do to get there,” said Bishop Guertin Head Coach Wil Horne. “And it’s great, I come in (the locker room) after the game and these guys already know the things they need to be working on.”

Sophomore center Eli Youssef added 15 points, 12 rebounds, five blocks and two steals, continuing his stellar season.

Bishop Guertin used a 22-point third quarter to break open what had been a close game (27-21) at halftime. The lead grew to as much as 18 midway the fourth quarter.

Central (2-7) was led by senior guard Mateo Williams, who had 12 points and five rebounds, to go along with six steals. Five of those steals came in the first quarter, as Central smothered the Cardinals offense and claimed a 12-10 lead.

Gradually, BG was able to wear down the visitors, as fatigue and foul trouble began to take their toll on Central.

Central forward Myles Mara battled Youssef to a standoff when then were on floor at the same time. But the Little Green sophomore picked up a couple of early fouls, forcing him to the bench for long stretches. He finished with seven points, nine rebounds and three blocks.

Bishop Guertin held a whopping 16-point advantage at the free throw line, making 20 of 28 attempts. Central went to the line just four times (4-for-4).

”it’s hard to overcome that kind of difference,” said Central Head Coach Sudi Lett. “We tell our guys to play aggressively on both ends of the floor and you’re gonna get fouls. But 28-4 is tough to overcome.”

With foul trouble an issue, Lett turned to his bench. Butalo Osman and Milton Pimental had eight points each off the bench to help Central pull to within 36-29 midway through the third quarter.

But Bishop Guertin flexed some bench strength of its own. Junior Max Moynihan had 11 points and nine rebounds off the pine and matched power in the paint with Central’s Giodie Hamisi (5 points, 12 Rebs. 3 blocks).

Moynihan helped trigger 14-4 run, as the Cardinals built a 13-point lead (49-36) heading into the fourth quarter.

Bishop Guertin will start a three-game road  trip, Friday night in Exeter.

Central will also be back in action Friday night, at home against Spaulding.