Phil-Mont Christian loses late lead, falls in OT to Math, Civics and Sciences in PIAA A quarters

PHILADELPHIA >> Entering the game at 30-1, including the playoffs, there was not much that Phil-Mont Christian had not proved throughout the season.

If there is one critique of the Falcons that could be an unproven aspect is playing in close games. It would be hard to say that the lack of close game experience did not come back to bite them Friday night in the PIAA Class A quarterfinals as they fell 73-68 in overtime to Math, Civics and Sciences Charter School at Philadelphia University.

“I’m really proud of what they’ve done this year,” Phil-Mont coach Glenn Dolton said. “You cant let one game here define what they have done with all of the championships they’ve won and they way they’ve played.”

With a four-point lead with less than a minute remaining in the game, the Falcons had a couple unfortunate plays just not break their way.

With about 30 seconds remaining and holding a three-point lead, Phil-Mont forced a turnover that led to David Giuliani taking a defender one-on-one. He missed a contested layup that was followed by Osaze Thornton missing a follow-up layup.

“We (had) some time management issues right toward the end where I was hoping we’d run the clock out,” Dolton said. “We work hard on end of the quarter situations and we’ve had a few games that have been tight.”

Thornton would get a shot at redemption as he stepped to the line for a pair of free throws with 11 seconds left the Falcons still holding a three-point lead. He missed both, giving MCS one last gasp.

“Its still eating at him,” Dolton said. “After those two misses I just go out and get the next rebound. It s just trying to press on to the next play.”

Kwahzere Ransom dribbled down the court and hit a ridiculous step-back three-ball with two seconds left that sent the game into overtime.

In the overtime, it was difficult for Phil-Mont to rebound and defend. The athletic guards of MCS were slashing to rim all game and with rim protectors Giuliani fouled out and Sean Griffin in foul trouble along with guard Noah Baldez it made the task that much more difficult.

“David was out unfortunately,” Dolton said. “That hurt us on the boards because I think Sean was a little tentative because of his four fouls.”

The Mighty Elephants started overtime right where they left off in the third quarter as it netted the first five points. MCS went on a 10-0 run that spanned the final minute of regulation and the first minute of overtime.

Phil-Mont cut the lead to one, but could not get the bucket or the stop it needed to get the victory.

With only its second loss, the Falcons’ season ends. And for players like Griffin and Baldez, terrific careers came to end, but Phil-Mont has found away over last several season to keep talent infiltrated into its program. But it is going to take a lot of work to get the team back the heights it went this season.

“They’ve been with us for four years as we’ve gone though a lot of success,” said Dolton of the senior class. “They’re a huge part of that and they just continue to help move our program forward.”