Columbus Academy 38, Bishop Watterson 36

Vikings finish a slugfest on an 8-0 run for their 13th straight victory

Written by 270 Hoops staff writer Greg Glasser

COLUMBUS, OH - It’s admittedly an odd time of the season.

For teams in Division III through VII, the district tournament bracket has been set and most league races have been determined.

So when the winter storm forced Columbus Academy and Bishop Watterson to pivot from their original scheduled date on January 21st to the day after the bracket seeds were locked, there technically was not much at stake.

But given the Vikings and Eagles entered Monday’s game a combined record of 31-7, neither team has shown hesitation from competition.

And with Columbus Academy the top overall seed in the Central District Division V tournament and Bishop Watterson the two seed for Division III, Monday’s non-league bout at the Eagles home gym was a prime opportunity for both teams to gear up for the postseason.

Although the pace of play could be described as relatively patient and conservative on both ends, it was Columbus Academy that created a thriller of an ending as they overcame a late six-point deficit and scored the final eight points of the contest to pull away with a 38-36 win.

For two teams that take pride on defense and taking care of the ball, the margin of error over the course of 32 minutes was thin. And for roughly 30 of those minutes, the Eagles held a slight advantage within those margins as they led for nearly all but a few possessions.