By Jordan Lambert
GENESEO – After a tough loss to Alexander on Tuesday, Geneseo coach Gregg Hepler challenged his players to overcome their struggles against pressure and adapt to the speed of varsity basketball.
On Friday night, against a fast-paced Livonia Bulldog squad, they passed the test.
In the first meeting between LCAA rivals Livonia and Geneseo since the 2019-2020 season, the two teams put on an excellent showcase of Livingston basketball in a matchup that would include some pressure down the stretch with host Geneseo coming away with the 55-53 crossover victory.
Livonia took an early 17-12 lead and led 28-26 at the break thanks to some excellent transition play and physical defense.
Exiting halftime, Geneseo came out firing with five quick points from Jackson Willis to take the lead at 31-28.
From there it was a back-and-forth battle until Geneseo took a 10-point lead off of excellent passing around Livonia’s immense length.
Kellen O’Brien hit a trifecta and some crucial free throws to aid the Blue Devils in that run and add to his 19-point performance.
Livonia battled back, closing the deficit to five points thanks to some tenacious and disruptive defense from standout senior Connor Feehan. Tom Stewart cut the lead to three with 45 seconds remaining, and the Bulldogs forced a shot clock violation on the ensuing Geneseo possession, setting them up for a final chance to bring the game level with nine seconds remaining. On the final play, Feehan found some separation and got up a shot that fell short of the rim, sending the Bulldogs to their first loss of the season, and sending the Blue Devils to a rebound victory that showcased the potential of this young Geneseo squad.
Feehan paced Livonia with four 3-pointers to go along with 20 points on the night. Stewart also added 14 points and five rebounds for the Bulldogs.
Livonia goes to 1-1 on the season, and looks to bounce back next Wednesday as they welcome non-league opponent Marcus Whitman in their home opener.
Geneseo was led by O’Brien, who had a complete game to the tune of 19 points, seven rebounds, and four assists.
Willis also had another solid game for the Blue Devils, scoring 20 and chipping in five rebounds.
Geneseo picks up their first win of the season, as they improve to 1-1. They will look to continue their winning ways against another LCAA Division 1 rival when they travel to Haverling on Monday.
Doug McFarland Photography
