The Montverde Academy boys basketball team was defeated by Christopher Columbus 59-57 in the championship game at the City of Palms Classic in Fort Myers on Monday evening.
The loss was the second of the season for the Eagles who are now 8-2 on the season.
The Eagles were led by Hudson Greer with a team-high 18 points, while Dante Allen notched 12 points and had a game-high six assists.
MVA never held a lead in the game. Columbus raced out to an early lead from the tip and held a 19-12 lead by the end of the first quarter.
The Crusaders held a 14-11 advantage in the second quarter to extend their lead to double-figures, and Columbus was up 33-23 at halftime.
Despite trailing, the Eagles never went away and were within one possession of the lead with thirteen seconds to go.
Key free throws by Columbus in the closing seconds helped them keep the lead. A three point shot at the buzzer by MVA pulled them back to within two as the game ended.
The Eagles will return to the court in 2025 when MVA hosts Southeastern Prep on Monday January 6 at 7:00 pm.
