Tilkian Tilts the Scales in Crespi’s Favor, 65-52

Leave it to the guy who didn’t score in the first half, hasn’t played in three games and practiced only once in two weeks because of an appendectomy to make 3 of 4 three-point shots and score 13 points.

The patient-turned-playmaker is Mike Tilkian, whom Crespi Coach Paul Muff said was not going to play much. But when point guard Matt Turner got into early foul trouble and eventually fouled out, Tilkian spelled relief.

Tilkian and his arching jump shot helped Crespi to a 65-52 Del Rey League win over Alemany that snapped a two-game losing streak and moved the Celts (11-9, 3-4) back into a four-team battle for third place. Alemany (7-10, 3-4) lost its third consecutive game.

Tilkian, a 5-11 senior guard, made his first three shots of the second half and later shot down an Alemany rally in the fourth quarter with a three-point shot. His shot from beyond the top of the key with four minutes left in the fourth quarter extended a seven-point lead to a 55-45 advantage.

From that point, Crespi’s patient ball-control offense took control.

“I was able to shoot a week after the surgery,” a weary Tilkian said. “But, without practicing, I’ve gotten a little out of shape.”

Crespi’s three-point shooting was crucial against Alemany. Forward Bill Foudy made 4 of 7 en route to a game-high 18 points. In all, Crespi made 7 of 13 three-point attempts.

Muff said the long-range shot normally is not a major aspect of the Celts’ offense, but he added, “They were collapsing inside so we just took what they gave us.”

Guard Jon Beauchemin and forward Tony Lopez each scored 14 points and center Brian Swanson added 11 for Alemany.