Centre of attention

January 18, 2011 at 12:00a.m.

Struthers wins big against Liberty

Youngstown

Struthers coach Joe Savko knew his team would play an up-tempo game against Liberty, and he thought the quick pace would play to one of his squad’s strengths: transition offense.

The Wildcats torched the nets at the Covelli Centre — hitting on 11-of-21 three pointers — and disposed of the All-American Conference White Tier opponent, 76-47.

It was a notable night for senior Nate Jacubec. The 5-foot-10 guard scored his 1,000th career point on a 17-foot jumper early in the first quarter.

He also led all scorers with 27 points and six three-point goals. Jacubec said his sole focus coming into the game was simply to earn a win against Liberty.

“It was nice to get that milestone out of the way early,” he said. “That way we could concentrate on Liberty and beating them.

I give all the credit to my teammates. They look to get the ball to me when I’m open.” With the score tied at seven midway through the first quarter, Struthers (9-1, 3-0) went on a 9-0 run to push the lead to 18-7. Ja’Meire Brown, Jacubec and Jake Jacubec hit back-to-back-to-back treys during the spurt.

Savko said Liberty’s zone defense tried to pressure the ball at the point and force his guards away from the hoop. “We used the high post to our advantage because of how Liberty was playing us,” he said.

“With all the pressure out front we got it to the high post and then kicked it to the corner for threes. I also thought we did a nice job of rebounding in the first half and then getting the ball down the floor in transition with a purpose.”

Liberty’s struggles continued in the second quarter as the Leopards went 1-of-13 from the field and were outscored 19-4, which gave Struthers a 40-16 halftime lead. Liberty (5-6) coach Marlon McGaughy said the venue seemed to bother his team’s shots.

“We never played here prior to tonight,” he said. “We wanted to get down here to practice because there’s so much space behind the basket and that’s something were not used to.” McGaughy said slowing the Wildcats from behind the arc is something his team has yet to do — and very few have. “They probably average 13 threes a game against us,” he said.

“I don’t know what they had tonight but we can’t find a way to shut them down.” Jacubec said since losing to LaBrae on Jan. 4 Struthers has played better team basketball.

“We’re trying to put that loss behind us,” he said. “It’s motivated us to take each game seriously. Tonight we knew we were playing an athletic team and that we had to move the ball and use shot fakes and play with good fundamentals if we were going to win.”

Preston Williams led Liberty with 15 points and teammate Jaylen Mann added 14. For Struthers, Adam Ryczaj had a game-high 11 rebounds, Jake Jacubec had nine points and five assists and Jordan Ryan netted 16 points to go with seven boards.