Development Basketball Claims Star Conference Championship

SAN ANTONIO (Feb. 12, 2024) – The Our Lady of the Lake University (OLLU) men's development basketball team won the Development Star Conference Tournament championship game over Schreiner University (SU) 85-73 on Monday night. The Saints defeated San Antonio College in overtime on Sunday to advance to the championship. OLLU finishes the season at 17-8 overall.

Basics

The Saints offense impressed in the first half. They totaled 51 points backed by over 60 percent shooting from the field. Matthew Gonzalez and Luke Gonzalez both had double-digit points at halftime. Eddy Epperson tallied three steals. OLLU's defense limited the Mountaineers to 33 points and forced eight turnovers in the first frame.

The Mountaineers outscored the Saints in the second half, but the halftime deficit was too large to overcome. Schreiner came within nine points of the lead, but the Saints made clutch free throws in the final minute. Three Saints players finished with double-digit scoring. Luke Gonzalez tallied a double-double with 10 rebounds and 21 points. The Saints cut down the nets to conclude a special season.

Offensive/defensive standouts

Luke Gonzalez led the Saints with 21 points. He also grabbed 10 rebounds. Ricardo Marquez tallied seven assists.

Hudson Czarnecki led Schreiner with 22 points. Sean Dansby had nine rebounds. Czarnecki also led the team with four assists.

Inside the box

OLLU combined for 28-of-57 shooting for 49.1 percent, 11-of-25 from three-point range for 44 percent and 18-of-25 from the free-throw line for 72 percent. SU shot 29-of-79 for 36.7 percent, 6-of-26 three pointers for 23.1 percent and 9-of-16 from the free-throw line for 56.3 percent.

The Saints grabbed 37 rebounds while Schreiner collected 42. Both teams committed 10 turnovers.   

Hear from Head Coach BJ Alzaid, junior Eddy Epperson and watch highlights.

Up next

The Saints finished the season with a 17-8 overall record and 15-3 mark at home.