Telfair Cant Beat Watkins, Paterson Catholic
PATERSON, N.J. -- Sebastian Telfair may be a great and dynamic player, but he couldn't lift Lincoln to a victory over Paterson Catholic all on his shoulders.
Despite 29 points from Telfair, Lincoln fell 68-64 to Paterson Catholic at the Freedom Fighters Challenge.
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In the end, the Cougars' offensive balance was too much for the Railsplitters. Darryl Watkins (right), PC's 6-10 man-child, recovered from early foul trouble to net 13 of his 16 points in the decisive second half.
Rutgers signee Marquis Webb added 16 points and reserve shooting guard Anthony Ruiz chipped in 15 points.
Paterson Catholic trailed 10-0 out of the gate and 35-28 at the half, but got nine points from Watkins in a 21-10 third quarter surge to take a 49-45 lead.
Lincoln took its last lead at the 3:12 mark of the fourth quarter on a steal and score by Telfair that made it 56-55.
PC took the lead for good on a runner in the lane from point guard Stephon Brown with 1:57 to play. Brown's basket fueled an 8-0 run, capped by a pair of free throws from Webb, that gave the Cougars a 63-56 lead with :52 remaining.
The Railsplitters got as close as three points in the final seconds, first on a three pointer by Telfair with :40 to play, and a bit later on a pair of free throws from Telfair at the :24 second mark.