Right from the outset, the Gesu Bulldogs played with a high level of intensity, propelling themselves to a 57-22 victory over the St. Mary’s of Chardon Vikings in the Morissey Classic on Sunday afternoon at Court 1 on the campus of Gilmour Academy. Finn McConville finished with 13 points and three rebounds, while Max Muresan tallied a double double, including 12 points and 10 rebounds. Lucas Grover capped off the scoring outburst, notching nine points on 3-of-7 shooting, all of which were three-pointers.

Gesu claimed an early 12-2 lead thanks to the sharp shooting and elusiveness of McConville, who knocked down a pair of three-pointers and found a crease in the defense for two driving layups in transition within moments of tipoff. The Vikings trimmed the deficit to 13, courtesy of a Marcus Rowan buzzer-beater from beyond the perimeter at the culmination of the first quarter. Both teams traded baskets throughout the second period, keeping the margin close until the left-handed release of Grover gave the Bulldogs a 30-8 advantage on his second trey from the top of the key. The score stood at 33-12 heading into the intermission. More of the same momentum carried over to the second half, as Grover and McConville sustained a premier form, incessantly knocking down field goals in the face of the opposition. Gesu performed in all facets of the game, defending the full length of the court, forcing turnovers, executing dribble-drives from the elbow and showing touch from mid-range.