Struthers winner over Liberty, again

Struthers winner over Liberty, again

Nick Jacubec had a game-high 19 points for the Wildcats (14-2, 5-0 AAC White).

By JOHN BASSETTI

Vindicator sports staff

LIBERTY — Struthers is feeling pretty smug these days, thanks to a successful basketball season.

It was evident as the Wildcats (14-2, 5-0 AAC White) led from start to finish in beating Liberty Friday night, 71-46.

There was more competition between the student sections than on the floor as the Red Army of Wildcat Nation and the Leopards’ student section traded chants.

Once the outcome was no longer in doubt, Liberty looked across the court and shot back: “Let’s play football” — a reference to the Leopards’ win on the football field last fall.

But Struthers had the final word in basketball.

Coach Joe Savko thought the third quarter was the point of separation between the teams.

“We wanted to repeat what we did [on Jan. 19],” Savko said of an 83-48 win over Liberty at Struthers. “We’re so much better in transition and we shoot the ball well in transition when we get our feet set. Believe it or not, it was actually our defense in the third quarter that got us going.

“We shot well in the first half, but they were nipping at our heels. I told the kids [at halftime] that we’ve got to come out in the first three minutes and take control on defense and that’s exactly what we did. We didn’t stay flat-footed. When we get in a stance and get into people — moving our feet and using our hands in the passing lanes — we do a really nice job.”

Nick Jacubec scored a game-high 19 points to lead Struthers, while brothers Nate Jacubec and Jake Jacubec had 13 apiece and Adam Ryczaj 11.

Even a full court press couldn’t stop the Wildcats.

“We tried the press,” Liberty coach Marlon McGaughy said, “but Joe’s a good coach and he scouted a couple of our games and he kind of knew what to do. That was one of the key factors tonight.”

In the third quarter, Liberty was outscored, 23-9.

“We wanted to get up and down, but Struthers is very good in half-court sets,” McGaughy said of one of the Wildcats’ offensive strengths. “It’s hard to defend a team with four or five good shooters. We try to tell them to slip the screens and try to stay out there on the 3-point shooters because, once Struthers starts going with the 3s, they’re hard to beat.”

For Liberty (4-13, 2-3 AAC White), sophomore Jalen Mann had 13 points, while freshman Preston Williams had 11.

Struthers was effective, whether shooting 3s, driving to the hoop, scoring on breaks, stealing balls or causing turnovers.

“You start in the summertime with the kids and teach the fundamentals, hoping that it sinks in,” Savko said of the work behind the scenes. “When you have efforts like this, you know it’s working. You just wish you can get that full time.”

Although Struthers’ starting five has enough firepower to give anyone a battle, Savko likes to take advantage of his eight-man rotation.

“We have very a good starting lineup, but our guys off the bench come in and spark us on defense. Tonight, Nick Jacubec came in and knocked down some shots, which was really big off the bench.”

Nick is a cousin to Nate and Jake.

Savko gave a bit of background on the Wildcats’ mindset this season.

“Last year, we lost in the tournament to Hubbard and we kind of got pushed around. The kids took it to heart and, the day after, we were in the weight room and it was their choice. They wanted to get bigger and stronger. I think it’s paid off, big-time, because you can be more physical. You can try to be as fundamental as you want, but if you’re weak with the ball, teams will take it off of you and they’ll get their hands on passes. Sheer strength will help.”

Despite the loss taken by his young team — which didn’t start a senior — McGaughy was quick to give the winners their due.

“They’ve been together a long time and have a nice all-around team. They’re just a hard team to beat. You’ve got to catch them on a night when they’re not hot.”