BVA uses ‘next man up’ mentality to throttle South Park
By JEREMY SELLEW
jsellew@yourmvi.com
Belle Vernon Area picked up a much-needed Section 3-4A win Tuesday, using a 15-0 run to end the third quarter and come out with a 76-63 victory over visiting South Park.
The win was impressive in the Leopards played without senior guard Cam Nusser, who was out with a thumb injury. Nusser’s absence made no difference as four players hit double figures, led by Devin Whitlock’s 26 points.
“It was next man up, that’s the way it has to be when anyone is missing,” BVA head coach Joe Salvino said. “But man, this game was like pulling teeth from an elephant. We didn’t play smart basketball.”
Salvino was frustrated with his team’s defensive effort, especially in the first half.
The teams exchanged buckets throughout the first quarter until Whitlock, Mitch Pohlot and Thomas Hepple scored consecutively to end the quarter on a 6-0 run and give the Leopards a 21-13 advantage.
After a Whitlock basket started the second quarter, the Eagles (5-5, 1-2) countered with a 12-3 spurt to cut the BVA lead to 25-23.
“Our defense in the first two quarters was pathetic,” Salvino said. “Sometimes it’s like we just go through the motions. It’s not like we worked all day in the mines and had to come play basketball afterwards. You’re supposed to be excited to get to come in here and play every night.”
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