SOUTH BRUNSWICK, N.J. -- St. Benedict's Prep got timely outside shooting from David Cubillan and rugged inside play from Samardo Samuels, rolling to an 85-61 victory over Eastern Commerce H.S. of Toronto, Ont., on Thursday night at the Prime Time Shootout.
Cubillan connected on five three-pointers in the first half, as the Gray Bees built a 50-29 lead in the first half. Center Samardo Samuels, a powerful 6-8 sophomore, and 6-7 senior power forward Lance Thomas combined for 20 points in the first half.
Simply put, Eastern Commerce was overmatched on the perimeter and interior. The Saints got no closer to St. Benedict's in the second half, although Commerce senior point guard Learie Duncan (18 points) was a bright spot in the lopsided defeat.
Samuels earned game MVP honors after tallying 18 points and playing ultra aggressive on both ends of the floor. SPB Head Coach Dan Hurley was happy to see Samuels bounce back from some recent sluggish performances.
"We've shortened practices and done some things to try to get us a little bit better," Hurley said. "He was lit."
Cubillan, the Marquette bound senior combo guard, netted 15 of his 17 in the first half, while Thomas finished with 15. Junior wing Corey Stokes also hit four double figures, scoring 10 points for the Gray Bees.
The game was a mere tune up for St. Benedict's, which will square off against top-ranked Oak Hill Academy of Virginia on Saturday night at the Prime Time.
"We have a big game coming up on Saturday," Hurley said. "You want to be respectful of your opponent and make sure that you are healthy and play well on Saturday."