At halftime, Exeter was ahead by 17 points and seemed likely to win. However, Upper Dublin had a strong second half, making the game very close.
Despite this, the Eagles were able to maintain their lead and win 67-60 in the first-round game of PIAA Class 5A boys basketball.
Exeter coach Jeff VanGorder commended the kids for their resilience, emphasizing their mindset to focus on the next play.
Exeter, the fifth-place team from District 3 with a record of 19-9, will face Imhotep Charter, the District 12 champion and two-time defending PIAA Class 5A champion, in the second round on Tuesday. This is a rematch of last year’s PIAA Class 5A final, which Imhotep Charter won.
VanGorder expressed confidence in the team, stating that they will compete and have two practices to prepare for the upcoming game against Imhotep Charter.
At the beginning of the second half, the District 1 runner-up Cardinals were trailing 40-23 due to their initially ineffective offense. However, they had a crucial third quarter, with Idris Rines hitting a three-pointer to kickstart their offense.
Cardinals coach Derek Brooks acknowledged the drastic difference in energy levels between the first and second half, emphasizing their determination to fight back despite being behind by 17 points.
During the third quarter, the Cardinals managed to reduce the deficit to single digits. They continued to fight back and were able to take the lead at one point during the fourth quarter.
As the game headed into the fourth quarter, the momentum shifted in favor of the Cardinals, who managed to take the lead at 55-54 with 3:30 remaining.
VanGorder attributed the challenge to Upper Dublin's consistent pressure, which wore down their team and led to missed shots and turnovers.
Reece Garvin of Exeter stopped the Cardinals' run and regained the lead with a layup just over three minutes remaining.
Upper Dublin’s Ryan Mulroy scored a team-high 22 points, while Rines contributed 11 points during the game.
During the final minutes, the Eagles were fouled on three consecutive offensive possessions and managed to take the lead by making free throws.
Exeter forced four turnovers and scored two layups late in the game to secure the victory.
VanGorder praised Jayden Ware for his resilient plays during the game, emphasizing the team's focus on the next play and competition mentality.
The Eagles started the game with 11 unanswered points. The Cardinals, who hadn't been in the state playoffs for 22 years, showed their lack of experience early on.
The Eagles were ahead 23-14 at the start of the second quarter. Alex Kelsey scored eight of his 19 points in the second quarter, and Garvin ended the first half with two baskets, giving Exeter a 17-point lead at halftime.
The Eagles grabbed 36 rebounds compared to the Cardinals' 21. Garvin of Exeter scored 26 points and managed to get 10 rebounds, achieving a double-double.
