Balance. Bob Hurley's basketball program has it this season. And he has at least seven players that can carry the team offensively when needed. Tonight, in Brookville, New York, it was Mike Rosario who shined.
Rosario produced 16 points, 14 in the first half, to lead the Friars of New Jersey to a 65-48 road win over Long Island Lutheran.
Before a packed gym, Rosario's nine points in the first eight minutes helped St. Anthony's gain an 18-11 lead. Jeriel Henriquez had all 11 LuHi points, including three three-pointers.
When Dominic Cheek hit a right-side three-pointer with 4:48 remaining in the second quarter, the Friars had gained a 27-13 lead. However, guard Rich Harkins hit for three straight three-pointers to help LuHi closed the gap at 37-28 after 16 minutes of play.
In the third, the balance of the St. Anthony's team showed. Jio Fontan three-point play and then perimeter shot moved the lead to 42-28 with 7:12 left in the third. Alberto Estwick's consecutive three-pointers ballooned the advantage to 52-32, with three minutes left in the third.
LuHi could never close the gap to a threatening margin. Harkins led LuHi with 21 points while Henriquez added 13 points.
Travon Woodall had a solid game for St. Anthony's too. The senior guard chalked up 14 points Estwick added 10. Fontan helped out with nine points while teammate Cheek had eight.