The first half saw both teams struggle to find any rhythm offensively. The Ravens led 13-9 at the quarter and 22-19 at half-time as both teams used outstanding quickness and hustle to contest every shot. St. Ray's was able to maintain slim lead thanks to early good shooting from Gavin Grant and tough inside work from Brian Laing and junior Chris Bethel.

Xaverian found their stride in the third quarter when a 16-7 run gave the Clippers a brief 33-29 advantage. Lavance Fields who scored six points in the rally including a tough step back jumper. also assisted on jumpers by Rudy Mitchell and inside hoops by Saiquan Stone and Mike Davis.

It was at that point that St. Ray's made the adjustments that would trigger a final decisive run to win the game for them. One way or another, either at the point position or in the post, coach Oliver Antigua put the ball in the hands of his best all around player, Gavin Grant, and he did not disappoint. Handling the ball from the point position he made two baskets, found reserve point guard and fellow senior Dante Chisolm for a jumpshot and made a perfectly timed pass to Laing cutting into the post off of a double screen for a basket. Subsequently the one time they found Grant in the low post Xaverian double teamed him and turned him into a passer. He found Frank Elegar cutting to the left box with a pass. The Drexel signee converted a three point play that put St. Ray's up by 7. Grant's ability to be his team's primary ball handler as a 6'7" forward had another important consequence. It allowed Chisolm to focus in on defending Fields as he tried, perhaps too hard, to bring the Clippers back. There's little doubt that, while Fields showed his outstanding ability in the early moments of that third period, he tried to do too much in the latter stages. Although he let his competitive nature get the best of him, it would be a mistake to diminish the importance of Chisolm's defensive effort. The ability that Fields showed in helping Xaverian take the lead, and helping them to their first city final is obvious. But for him to be ready for a championship run next season, and a better player at the next level, he must learn and grow from this experience. St. Ray's showed a champion's poise with how well they regrouped after Xaverian took the lead and subsequently with great free throw shooting. For all the Ravens' formidable talent, it was intangibles; poise, mental toughness, and senior leadership that were the difference in this game.'