Rice High School closed its doors more than two years ago, but the legendary Harlem school’s basketball program is still making its mark in New York.
Returning home for the Brooklyn Hoops Winter Festival at Barclays Center, Rice alum Shane Southwell matched a career-high with 19 points in Kansas State’s 72-41 win over Tulane, with former schoolmate Melvin Johnson scoring 12 points — one of four VCU players in double-digits — in the Rams’ 69-50 win over Boston College in Saturday’s finale.
VCU (11-3) only led 22-17 at halftime, but coach Shaka Smart’s famed full-court pressure was in full effect, turning the Eagles over 14 times.
It wasn’t just havoc. It was unselfishness, energy and a relentless commitment that Rams guard Treveon Graham said caused the Eagles to start arguing with each other after mistakes, as their fatigue grew.
Boston College (4-9) was held to 17 field goals and 3-of-18 shooting on 3-pointers, while committing 24 turnovers.
“There’s definitely a factor in that they wear you down mentally more than physically,” Boston College coach Steve Donahue said. “Give them credit for buying in. No one really cares who scores and that’s tough in this day and age.They just keep coming at you and that’s a credit to those kids.”
The previous game was even uglier, as the Green Wave (7-7) scored 10 points and hit 3-of-23 shots in the first half against the Wildcats (8-3), who won their seventh straight game.
Southwell hit 5-of-9 3-pointers, adding five rebounds, a block and two steals.
“Shane is one of our smartest players,” Wildcats coach Bruce Weber said. “If he is making shots, I think we can be competitive in our league.”