SAN JOSE - The Archbishop Mitty gym was not completely packed and the Monarch cheering section was quiet as Riordan crept to within three points. Mitty needed a spark.
Monarch senior Connor Peterson provided that en route to a 61-50 Mitty victory. Peterson stole a pass near mid-court and sped for a two-handed slam dunk to put his team ahead 42-37 with just less six minutes left. Suddenly, Riordan instead of tying the game or pulling to within one, was down five.
"We knew we had to bring up the energy because the gym wasn't full or anything, so you have to find your own motivation," Peterson said.
Then Mitty found a little more, as another steal 25 seconds later resulted in another Peterson dunk as the Monarchs began to pull away. Peterson was also fouled on the play and made the free throw -- in addition to Riordan star Chiefy Ugbaja fouling out. It was the beginning of the end for the Crusaders, now down by eight points.
As far as Mitty coach Tim Kennedy was concerned, it was all about making defensive stops and not committing turnovers, the latter of which plagued the Monarchs in the third quarter.
"It was a big steal by CP and a dunk," Kennedy said of the change of momentum. "That helped us out and got everyone going. We had two back-to-back steals and that really set the tone. "
Riordan kept scrapping, but never got closer than six points the rest of the way.
"We had the ball with a chance to tie it or get within one and those two back-to-back steals really crushed us," Riordan coach Rich Buckner said. "It's hard for kids' morale - you tell them to keep fighting, keep fighting. But the air was kind of let out there."
The victory was the fourth consecutive for Mitty (16-3, 8-1) and keeps it one game ahead of Serra in the West Catholic Athletic League standings. Mitty hosts the Padres at 7 p.m. Wednesday.
The loss snaps a five-game winning streak for Riordan (12-7, 5-4), which trailed 26-16 at halftime. It was also Riordan's 16th consecutive loss to Mitty and 14th consecutive loss at Mitty.
"The guys fought," Buckner said. "We challenged our coaching staff and our kids and said we can either get blown out or fight back They responded, which they have all year. The past (six) games have all been about heart and effort and desire to win and they showed it tonight."
Riordan outscored Mitty 17-12 in the third quarter to trail by only seven entering the final eight minutes. The Crusaders caused turnovers with their quick-handed man defense and Jiday Ugbaja scored seven of his game-high 23 points in the period.
Jiday had a highlight reel moment with 6:27 left in the game as he slipped while dribbling in the corner, maintained his dribble and then elevated for a 18-foot swish. That brought Riordan to within 40-37.
Riordan got a stop on the other end, but that's when Peterson made his steal and dunk and that was it for the Crusaders.
Riordan shot just 35 percent from the field (14 of 40). Besides Jiday Ugbaja's big night, his cousin Chiefy Ugbaja chipped in with 10 points and Zach Masoli had six.
Peterson and Matt McAndrews led Mitty with 14 points apiece, J.P. Rindfleisch scored 12 points and Ben Kone had 10 points and eight rebounds. McAndrews also dished seven assists.
Mitty made 46 percent (22 of 48) from the field.
"I think we got a lot better today," Peterson said. "I think the past couple of games have been kind of shaky and we needed this. They're a hot team and to be able to knock them off. It's a good win."
While Mitty plays its key game on Wednesday against Serra, Riordan will host City rival Sacred Heart Cathedral. Both games begin at 7:30 p.m.
Notes: Two of Riordan's better players were on the Crusader bench but not suited up to play. Sophomore Eddie Stansberry, who played for the Serra varsity last season as a freshman, is not eligible to play until next season. Junior 6-foot-8 center Karim Ndiaye tore his ACL January 18 against St. Francis and is out for the season. ... Riordan's Jiday Ugbaja shot in tough luck against the Monarchs, making 2-of-11 from beyond the 3-point arc, but having three misses curl in and out. ... There was a large banner behind the scorer's table congratulating 15-year-old Mitty student Polina Edmunds who has made the U.S. Olympic figure-skating team. She received a sendoff rally Friday at Mitty that included Mitty grads and U.S. Olympic gold-medal winners Brandi Chastain and Kerri Walsh Jennings. ... Riordan has not defeated Mitty since 2008 and has not beaten the Monarchs at Mitty since 2002.
