St. Francis Outlasts Sts. William and Robert in a Stunning Game, 38-37 (7th Grade)

St. Francis of Assisi and Ss. Robert & William opened their matchup with high-energy defense, battling fiercely for rebounds and loose balls right from the tip. Both teams found pockets of space to knock down tough shots, and with 7:20 left in the first half, Robert & William held a narrow 9–7 lead.

Defense continued to be the driving force of the game, with neither team giving an inch on any possession. The score stayed locked when Robert & William called a timeout with 4:59 remaining. Out of the break, both teams settled in offensively, trading baskets and matching each other's intensity. Robert & William closed the half holding onto a 15–13 advantage after a late timeout by St. Francis produced no final shot.

The second half picked up right where the first left off—fast, physical, and competitive. Robert & William attacked the paint with confidence, while St. Francis battled relentlessly on the boards for second-chance opportunities. An and-one three-pointer from St. Francis kept things close, but Robert & William still led 20–17 with 13:20 remaining.

From there, the game turned into an offensive showcase. St. Francis connected on big threes, while Robert & William answered consistently with strong finishes inside. That back-and-forth rhythm forced Robert & William to take a timeout after falling behind 32–30 with 7:28 to play.

As the clock wound down, both teams turned up the defensive pressure while still finding ways to score. St. Francis clung to a 34–33 lead with 4:25 left, then a 36–35 edge with only two minutes remaining. The crowd matched the intensity on the floor as every possession grew more tense.

Robert & William stepped to the line and hit a clutch free throw to take a 37–36 lead with 36 seconds left, then called a timeout to set their defense. A foul put them back at the line with 12 seconds remaining, but a lane violation erased the shot and gave St. Francis one final opportunity.

After a timeout, St. Francis inbounded at midcourt, attacked the paint, and finished a high-pressure layup to take a dramatic 38–37 lead. Their defense held in the final seconds, securing a thrilling come-from-behind victory in one of the most exciting finishes of the season.