Zach Steinmetz (Toledo, Ohio/Saint John's H.S.) tallied his second double-double of the season, scoring 19 points and adding 12 rebounds, and
Stephen Couvillion (Baton Rouge, La./Christian Life H.S.) added 18 points as Lourdes picked up its first victory of the season on Friday night, defeating Judson 62-45 in the opening game of the Maple City Classic held at the SHU Fieldhouse in Adrian, Mich.
Lourdes trailed by one at the break, 28-27, but used a 10-3 run early in the second half to take control. A jumper by
E.J. Blackwell (Rochester, Pa./Rochester H.S.) followed by a layup by Couvillion put the Gray Wolves on top 51-40 at the 7:46 mark, the first double digit lead of the contest.
The Gray Wolves slowly continued to extend their lead the rest of the way, shooting 60% (12-of-20) from the floor over the final 20 minutes after connecting at just a 29% (9-of-31) clip in the first half. Judson was held without a basket from the field for the final 6:45 of the game.
"I thought we brought a lot more energy and effort in the second half," head coach
Andre Smith stated. "We began to play as a team and played much more aggressive."
Lourdes led early 14-6 before a 12-2 run over seven minutes gave the Eagles an 18-16 lead with under eight minutes remaining in the first half. Judson led by as many as four in the first half but an
Aaron Ashley (Cleveland Heights, Ohio/Cleveland Heights H.S.) basket with 1:27 left before intermission pulled the Gray Wolves to within 28-27 at the break.
Judson shot just 16% (5-of-31) in the second half and was held to 23.5% shooting from the floor on the night as Lourdes defense also forced 14 turnovers. The Gray Wolves controlled the paint, outscoring the Eagles 30-10, and outrebounded Judson 44-31 for the night.
Will Woodhouse led Judson (0-3) with eight points as the Eagles were held without a double figure scorer.
Lourdes (1-1) will return to the SHU Fieldhouse on Saturday afternoon for day two of the Maple City Classic. The Gray Wolves will face Akron Wayne in a 4 p.m. contest.
