JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The boys basketball state semifinals begin this week in Lakeland. Here’s a look at the University Christian and Santa Fe Catholic Class 2A final four game.
Class 2A boys basketball state semifinals
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University Christian (22-8) vs. Santa Fe Catholic (22-8), 11 a.m.
When: Thursday, 11 a.m.
Watch it: Game can be streamed on the NFHS Network. Cost applies for a monthly pass.
Winner gets: Riviera Prep or First Baptist Academy in the state championship game on Saturday at 3 p.m.
Road here: UC d. Maclay, 89-56; d. Providence, 46-35; d. Master’s Academy, 62-46; Santa Fe Catholic d. Oxbridge Academy, 65-27; d. Benjamin, 68-24; d. John Carroll Catholic, 56-21.
Glance: The Christians went through their growing pains early this season and have been on a tear ever since. UC has won 13 consecutive games entering the final four clash. UC’s performance this year helped ease the sting of a last second loss in the 2024 regional final. Ty Duncan leads UC in scoring (13.9 ppg), but the thing about head coach Jody Bailey’s team is that the production comes from everywhere. In the paint, Adalbert Allotey (10 rpg, 7.7 ppg) is a 6-10 menace and shot alterer. At 6-9, Augustine Ayelyine is averaging 7.7 rpg and 6.9 points an outing. The Christians are strong enough elsewhere to let their pair of towering post players focus on defense and cleaning up on the glass. Markel Holmes and Marvin Christie are strong either scoring or playing defense. Farther down the lineup, Henry Arthur is averaging 4.9 rpg. This is UC’s first trip to the state semifinals since 2019. The Christians have never played for a title but have an excellent shot at ending that drought this season.
