Hilton never trailed, though visiting Victor closed to within three or fewer points of the lead on five occasions in the second half, in a 73-63 boy’s basketball win to even their record at 5-5.
Sophomore Tah-jae Hill scored 17 of his game-high 31 points in the first half as the Cadets led by as many as 12.
Hilton’s offense stalled a bit in the third quarter with only six field goals and a free throw to allow the Blue Devils to close to within three points of the lead three times and two points once.
But Hill hit on a pair of drives and had a steal to go with a lay-up and pair of free throws by junior Mitchell Carr to build the lead back to six.
The Cadets managed just one basket over the final 100 seconds, but went four-of-seven from the free throw line while limiting Victor to one trey down the stretch to secure the win.
Hill added four steals and four rebounds to his 31 points while senior Joe Lipani had 12 points with four rebounds. Junior guard Noah Malta dished out nine assists with 12 points and Carr also scored in double-figures with 11 points plus four rebounds and three steals.
