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River undone at Elyria 57-51
RR Boys Basketball
ELYRIA, Ohio (Jan. 14, 2023) -- Rocky River was dealt a 57-51 loss by the Elyria Pioneers in Saturday night non-conference action.

The Pirates struggled with their shooting touch in a second half that saw them outscored 28-22. The Pioneers (8-5) outshot the Raiders 45% to 32% for the game. In the second half, River went just 8-of-32 (25%) from the floor.

"Though we came up short, I was proud of how our players embraced a busy day of practice and then this road game," said coach Mike Murray. "We competed at a high level and gave ourselves a chance to be successful."

River's chances to be successful Saturday were often of the second kind. The Pirates had a season-high 22 offensive rebounds in the in the contest. But in the distance game, Elyria hit seven 3-pointers to Rocky River's four.

The Pirates (7-5) trailed much of the nigh but did hold a lead for a brief spell in the third quarter. The home five, however, rode an 11-0 run to reclaim a lead. That was answered by a 6-0 run for the Double-R, and early in the fourth period the game was tied 44-44 despite River's shooting woes. The Pioneers then closed out the game with a 13-7 run.

Elyria's Jayden Crutcher scored a game-high 29 points on a 12-of-18 shooting performance. Crutcher went 5-of-10 from distance and racked up four steals as well. Brian Todd logged a 12-point, 11-rebounds double-double.

The Pirates got 11 points from Gavin O'Brien. Will DeClerk had eight points and seven boards. Hakeem Zayed registered six points, nine rebounds, and three assists.

The contest on the road marked the back half of a weekend double: the Pirates lost to Olmsted Falls Friday night.

"I know our players will continue to improve from this weekend's experiences," said Murray. "I am excited and blessed to work with all of them."


by Skip Snow


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