Mullins held their own against the #2 ranked team in the country in the opening round of the Beach Ball Classic. Too bad the game is not only 16 minutes. St. Patrick's (NJ) trailed at half before turning up the defensive pressure and cruising to a 71-50 win.
Mullins, ranked #3 in South Carolina AA, held a 27-26 lead at halftime. Mullins connected on four 3-point baskets in the opening 16 minutes and St. Patrick's connected on just 34 percent of its shots in the first half.
The second half a totally different story as the Celtics turned up the defensive pressure. In the final 16 minute period, Mullins committed 17 turnovers and the Celtics outscored the Aucs 45-23.
University of North Carolina signee Dexter Strickland led St. Patrick with 20 points. Stacy Wilson paced Mullins with 17 points, but fellow star Eric Smith managed just 8 points, and committed 9 turnovers.
Mullins will play Socastee in a consolation game on Saturday at noon. St. Patrick's will play Paterson Catholic (NJ) at 8:45pm in a second round game.
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