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STEUBENVILLE -- Wednesday was not the Catholic Central boys basketball team's best day
Catholic Central fell behind early against Bishop Rosecrans, the Bishops built their lead and pulled away from the Crusaders en route to a 76-44 victory via mercy rule in the Chuck Watt/John Nese Holiday Classic Wednesday evening inside the Crimson Center.
The Bishops led by as many as 35 points in the fourth quarter.
Rosecrans (5-3) recorded nearly as many 3-pointers in the game as they did 2-pointers. The visitors from Muskingum County collected 13 2-point baskets, while making 13 from inside the arc. The victors also made 13 shots from the free-throw line.
Three players produced double digits in points for the Bishops. Grady Labishak delivered a game-high 33 points to lead the way offensively, Brendan Bernath netted 15 and Xander Daniels tallied 12.
Benji Rook recorded a team-high 15 points to lead the way offensively for Catholic Central (4-4) Tommy Pergi was second on the team with six points.
The Bishops built a 22-14 lead after the first quarter, and they increased their advantage to 41-23 at halftime. The Crusaders were still within striking distance with a couple of minutes left in the second, however, Rosecrans remained in control the rest of the way.
The Bishops led 53-34 entering the fourth. Rosecrans outscored Catholic Central, 23-10, in the fourth to account for the final score.
Labishak was named the Watt/Nese Holiday Classic Player of the Game for the Bishops, while Rook received the honor for the Crusaders.
Catholic Central head coach Don Ogden declined to comment after the game.
Both teams are scheduled to play Saturday on the road.
Rosecrans is slated to play Newark Catholic, while Catholic Central is set to play Shenandoah.