By Gregory Termolle
In a game where the Average Joe’s were written off, they played their best game of the season. They had a lead with less than two minutes left, but Bryan Yarce came alive and put the game to bed in a 69-61 win.
Yarce seemed to be battling an injury and sat out for much of the fourth, but hit some big shots and free throws down the stretch to will his team to victory. He ended the game with 27 points.
Shaine Patrick had a huge game with 14 points along with 21 rebounds and seven blocks. Prestige Worldwide was able to calm the game down in the fourth, even when they were down, and that was a huge part of their victory.
“Don’t panic, don’t put up crazy (nonsense) shots,” said Prestige Worldwide’s Shaine Patrick. “It’s our game, we have to control the pace.”
For the Average Joe’s, Matt Scavitti matched his season average with 20 points on the night along with 10 rebounds for a double-double. He’s been their leading scorer every game this season. Cory Fraielli helped out with 14 points on the night. Steve Pirri was the other Average Joe’s player with double-digit points with 11 to go along with nine rebounds.
Prestige Worldwide came out the gate strong and ended the first quarter with a 14-point lead. The second quarter was an even battle with both teams scoring 11 points, so Prestige Worldwide entered the half with a 14-point lead. The third quarter is where the Average Joe’s started to give Prestige Worldwide a run, outscoring them 21-12.
The Average Joe’s held a lead up until about a minute and a half left in the game, but Yarce was just too much down the stretch after sitting out most of the fourth quarter. He hit a few jumpers, got to the rim and hit some key free throws to keep him number one in the league for scoring with 28.3 PPG.
Yarce was asked after the game about what sparked his play down the stretch.
“The Swish Kabobs, and we were down.”
