A key for both teams was the play of their respective benches. Malverne’s Chris Vittucci started the second half and while he didn’t score any baskets proved to be the ultimate hustle player as well as an effective perimeter defender in the comeback attempt. Jordan Walker of the Vikings was the smallest player on the court, but his quickness was unrivaled as well as his ability to find the open man.

Askinoff will look to correct his young team’s mistakes and move on.

“They’re young, they’re going to work hard tomorrow back in the gym, we’re going to go against Upper Room,” he said of last Saturday’s consolation game. “We’ll be ready for them and see what we can do.”