Cate’s defense held Villanova to four points in the third quarter en route to a 59-51 boys basketball victory in a first-round game at the Nordhoff Invitational on Wednesday night.
The Rams trailed 32-25 at halftime.
“After a slow start and a lid on the rim, we settled down and found our rhythm in the third quarter,” said Cate coach Andy Gil. “Senior Joseph Marley sparked an incredible third-quarter run to give us our first lead of the game with an incredible pick and roll, a steal with an assist and a layup. He is our vocal leader and he willed us to a win today.”
Babacar Pouye showed his outside shooting range as he knocked down a trio of three-pointers and finished with a double-double of 20 points and 10 rebounds.
Tyler Martinez played hard at both ends of the floor and scored 17 points, and Jengus Ercil chipped in with 13 points.
Gavin Day led Villanova all scorers with 24 points.
Cate plays Thursday against Ventura at Nordhoff High.