Bishop Eustace's Ian Glassmacher (2) celebrates after a play in the South Jersey Non-Public B boys' basketball semifinal played at Gloucester Catholic High School in Gloucester City, New Jersey on Thursday, February 29, 2024. Ryan Fuhs/D2 Sports Network
GLOUCESTER CITY - The Bishop Eustace boys' basketball team ended its 2022-23 campaign with heartbreak in a 59-43 loss at the hands of St. Rose in the South Jersey Non-Public B final.
The Crusaders made it their mission to get back to the same stage for a shot at redemption.
Bishop Eustace squeezed past Gloucester Catholic, 40-35, to earn a rematch with St. Rose in the South Jersey Non-Public B final at Lenape High School on Monday. The Purple Roses (26-2 record) are the top-ranked team in the Garden State.
The visiting Crusaders and Gloucester Catholic were tied 14-14 after one quarter. The Rams tried to pull away in the second quarter but struggled to make shots. Jack Mustaro scored five of his team's seven points in the second quarter. The result was a 22-21 deficit at halftime.
The hosts took the lead in the second half on a long-range 3-pointer by Carlos Mendez. Gloucester Catholic seized momentum and took a 31-28 lead into the final quarter. The Rams' hostile student section, also known as the "Bleacher Creatures," added to the chaos.
Bishop Eustace was up for the challenge.