Third-Quarter Shutout Clinches Win for Hornets

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NORTH ADAMS, Mass — It was the prettiest game ever but with defense like that, who can argue with the win the McCann Tech boys' basketball team earned on Monday night. 

The Hornets led by just one point against Pioneer Valley Christian at halftime but responded with their second best defensive effort of the season overall, holding the Eagles to just eight points total in the second half. Justin Kratz's team actually held Pioneer Valley scoreless in the third quarter and for most of the fourth in order to pick up a 41-27 win at the Hive. 

"It was kind of an off night all around," Kratz said. "Our guys stepped it up on the defensive end of the floor in the second half. It didn't get much prettier for us offensively, but we were able to pull away because of our defense. Zach Giron did a nice job of anchoring us down in the second half. He showed good leadership by a senior captain. Overall, it was a good win for us on a night where we struggled a bit offensively." 

Giron finished with 10 points and six rebounds for McCann, which improved to 5-7 overall with the win. Senior forward Mike Chappell contributed eight points, seven rebounds and four assists for the Hornets, while classmate Nate Gutmann added eight points and two assists. 

McCann next hosts Saint Mary's at 7 p.m. on Friday night. 
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