While far from artistic, the Solvay boys basketball team gladly accepted the result of last Friday night’s game at Jordan-Elbridge, as the Bearcats, led by Andrew Lucio, took out the Eagles by a score of 55-45.
Effective, consistent defense helped push the Bearcats through the game’s early stages, as it held the Eagles in check and steadily worked its way to a 29-18 halftime edge.
J-E’s attempts to get back in the game fell flat when it got just six points in the third quarter, something that a furious late surge could not make up for.
From start to finish, Lucio proved to be too much. He hit shots from everywhere, including four 3-pointers and six successful free throws, on his way to 26 points for the night, nearly half of Solvay’s output.
Dan Aiello, with 13 points, offered the support, with Devanere Surrey and Anthony Liquori each adding six points. J-E had its own star turn, as Tom Graf finished with 22 points. None of his teammates came close to that mark, though, as Teddy Hart was next in line with just eight points.
The Eagles are home again Friday to face Skaneateles, while Solvay (5-9) host Phoenix Monday and meets Homer Friday night.