BINGHAMTON, N.Y. -- Both defenses stepped up in the second half of the Class B state championship, but it was Mekeel Christian who hit some big shots in the third quarter that came away with the title 42-37 over Seton Catholic Central.

Mekeel Christian [Section II] and Seton Catholic Central [Section IV] were tied at the half at 25-25, but a quick 6-0 run by the Lions to make it 37-33 in the third quarter seemed to be the difference maker in putting the Saints into a hole they couldn’t escape.

Seton Catholic had the game within striking distance at 39-37 with 22 seconds to play, but Mekeel Christian did what it needed to at the free throw line to salt the championship away, the school’s first in boys basketball.

Carter Stewart led the Lions with 14 points and Jordan Jackson added 13.

For Seton, Leo Gallagher scored 17, but was the only Saints scorer in double figures. Gallagher and freshman Marcus Dyes were named to the All-Tournament team.