Basketball: Paul VI beats Albany (N.Y.) Academy

By Phil Anastasia

Paul VI stepped up its defense in the second half and got a balanced scoring effort en route to a 61-49 win over Albany (N.Y.) Academy Saturday at the Tri-State Showcase.

Matt Risse scored 16, Jair Green (pictured) 14, Ivan Robinson 13 and DeVahnte Mosley 12 for Paul VI at the game at Bishop Eustace.

The Eagles (15-1), the No. 1 team in The Inquirer Top 10, shut down Albany's outside game after the visitors made eight three-point baskets in a row -- three in the final two minutes of the first half and five in the opening five minutes of the third quarter.

"That's a good team," Paul VI coach Tony Devlin said of Albany Academy (12-3). "They're well coached, they move the ball and they can shoot."

Devlin was pleased with his team's effort, especially in the second half.

The Eagles also got strong offensive contributions from players such as Robinson, Green and Mosley on a day when leading scorer Jay Howard was held to six points and appeared to be laboring a bit on his sore left ankle.

"We won this game with heart,"" Devlin said. "It's a good program win."

With his 16 points, Risse brought his career total to 997. He likely will reach 1,000 Tuesday vs. Woodrow Wilson.

Paul VI 12 13 18 18 -- 61

Albany (N.Y.) Academy 6 18 17 8 -- 49

PVI: Matt Risse 16, Jay Howard 6, Jair Green 14, Ivan Robinsion 13, DeVahnte Mosley 12.

AA: Sal Arena 7, Ray Jerome 5, Riley Naclerio 2, John Moutopoulos 8, Rory Flahery 3, Matt Knezovic 16, Teigue Donohue 8.

-- Contact Phil Anastasia at panastasia@phillynews.com

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