The Monsignor Pace Spartans were the 47-35 winner over the LaSalle Royal Lions when they last played one another back in December of 2023, but their luck changed this time around. Monsignor Pace was just a bucket shy of victory on Monday and fell 45-44 to LaSalle. The loss was a bit of a surprise, as Monsignor Pace came into the match with a sizable advantage in MaxPreps' Florida basketball rankings (they are ranked 279th, while LaSalle is ranked 613th).
Despite the loss, Monsignor Pace saw an underclassman step up: Jacob Trenchfield scored nine points along with eight assists and three steals. That's the first time this season that Trenchfield posted eight or more assists. Jamaal Gibson, Jr was another key contributor, scoring nine points.
Monsignor Pace's defeat ended a four-game streak of wins at home and dropped them to 8-5. As for LaSalle, their win ended a four-game drought on the road dating back to last season and puts them at 2-7.
Both teams will have to hit the road in their upcoming games. Monsignor Pace will take on Palmer Trinity at 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday. As for LaSalle, they will head out on the road to face off against Sports Leadership & Management at 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday. One thing working in Sports Leadership & Management's favor is that they have posted big point totals in their last four contests.
