ST. MARYS – Despite a late rally by Bradford High, St. Marys held on for a 61-56 D-9 League victory against the visiting Owls Wednesday night behind Matt Marconi’s 17 points.

Adam Boyer scored a game-high 22 points for shorthanded Bradford, which was playing without starter Nate Higbie.

“We just let things get out of hand in the first half,” BHS head coach Brian Hobbs said. “We dug ourselves a hole. We really battled them in the second half.

The Owls (2-6, 0-1 D-9 League) dug out of a 29-17 halftime deficit and took its first lead at the 5:05 mark in the fourth quarter when freshman Tyler Gigliotti hit his only 3-pointer of the night. The lead was short-lived, as the Dutch (7-2, 2-0 D-9 League) came back and took a 54-50 lead into the final minute.

“We took the lead in the fourth quarter,” Hobbs said. “They responded.”

Two Gigliotti baskets in the final minute gave the Owls life, but St. Marys made enough free throws and had time on its side to come away with the five-point victory.

Boyer scored 13 of the team’s 19 third-quarter points, while also hauling down seven rebounds and dishing out three assists. Danny Manion had eight rebounds for Bradford.

“Adam boyer really stepped up,” Hobbs said. “He did a really nice job.”

Despite the loss, Hobbs was pleased with his team’s effort against a tough league opponent, but St. Marys was able to score more than the defensive-minded Owls’ are comfortable with.

“Defensively we just gave up a little too much,” Hobbs said. “We can compete with anyone in our league. I think it was a good statement.“