With a playoff game on the line, The First Academy Royals rose to the challenge on Thursday. They took down the Lions 78-63. The win was just what The First Academy needed coming off of a 90-61 defeat in their prior game.
The First Academy's success was the result of a balanced attack that saw several players step up, but Lorenzo De jesus led the charge by almost dropping a double-double on 25 points and nine assists. It was the first time this season that De jesus posted eight or more assists. The team also got some help courtesy of Max Simmons, who scored 20 points along with five steals.
Several Lions players turned in solid performances despite ultimately coming up short. Perhaps the best among those players was Cameron Basden, who scored 14 points along with six assists and four steals. Another player making a difference was Jacob Osborne, who scored 20 points along with five assists and two steals.
Foundation Academy struggled to get the ball back on offense and finished the game with only four offensive rebounds. That's the fewest offensive rebounds they've managed all season.
The First Academy's win bumped their record up to 15-11. As for Foundation Academy, their defeat dropped their record down to 17-9.
The First Academy will head out on the road to face off against Windermere Prep at 7:00 p.m. on Saturday. Windermere Prep is coming into the contest with 12 straight victories at home, meaning The First Academy will have to defend against a team hungry for a victory. Foundation Academy does not have any more games scheduled as of now.
