St Joseph rally overcomes St Ignatius

It took three quarters, but when St. Joseph was finally able to employ its diamond press, the Chargers’ fortunes turned around.

St. Joseph came back from 10 points down midway through the fourth quarter to defeat St. Ignatius 43-42 in Westchester Saturday afternoon.

The win did not come without controversy. With the game tied at 42 and just seconds on the clock, a foul was called on a St. Ignatius player as numerous players from both teams were fighting for the loose ball on the court.

St. Joseph’s Briya Wilborn then calmly stepped to the line and knocked down the game-winning free throw with a second remaining.

“I was kinda shocked that they called that that late,” said Wilborn. “But I knew when I got up there, I just needed to knock it down.’’

The Chargers (17-6, 4-3 GCAC Red) started the comeback with a basket by Donna Koerber with 3:45 remaining in the contest. Then Wilborn took over.

The senior guard scored seven of her team’s last nine points, including two baskets that came off of steals. In the 12-1 run that closed the game, the Chargers were able to force St. Ignatius (14-8, 3-4) into eight turnovers, limiting the Wolfpack to only one shot attempt.

“It was hard coming back, it always is,’’ said Wilborn.  But we fought through it.  Making those layups was crucial for us.’’

Wilborn had a game-high 16 points, while Koerber and Shaakera Jones had 11 points each for St. Joseph.

Kelly Nickele led the Wolfpack with 15 points.