It was a good night for the Diocese of Brooklyn's boys' basketball teams as Archbishop Molloy High School and Bishop Loughlin Memorial High School both advanced to the next round of the city playoffs.
In the first of the night's two games, the Bishop Loughlin Lions took an early lead over the St. Raymond School for Boys Ravens, 17-15 after the first quarter, but St. Ray's led at the half, 35-33. But the second half belonged to the Bishop, leading 57-52 at the end of the third quarter, on the way to a 75-65 final.
In the second game, Archbishop Molloy's victory over Monsignor Scanlan High School was never in doubt. Molloy led 23-15 after the first quarter, then 36-25 at the half. After the break, Molloy held a 51-40 lead at the end of three, finishing up 64-59.
Wednesday night's games were technically the second round of the Catholic High School Athletic Association (CHSAA) Varsity "AA" Playoffs, also known as the intersectionals. A play-in on February 24, between Mount Saint Michael Academy and Holy Cross High School was won by the latter, constituting the first round.
Archbishop Molloy moves on to face Archdiocese of New York's number two seed, Archbishop Stepinac, on Sunday, March 5. Bishop Loughlin goes up against Diocese of Brooklyn's top seed Christ the King High School, also on Sunday. Those games will be held at Fordham University in the Bronx.
The playoffs continue Thursday night, as Xaverian High School takes on St. Peter's High School, and Iona Preparatory School plays Holy Cross. Those games will take place at St. Raymond's in the Bronx.