Big youths duel; Potter’s House tops Balboa City in OT

Udoka Azubuike and DeAndre Ayton, two of the best young big men in the country, went mano y mano Sunday in the Culligan City of Palms Classic.

They played as well as advertised.

With Florida men’s basketball coach Billy Donovan watching, Ayton won the statistical battle.

Azubuike and Jacksonville Potter’s House won the team war with a 54-51 victory in overtime over Balboa City (Calif.) at John Nevins Gymnasium.

Ayton’s coaches wouldn’t allow him to speak.

Azubuike was quite engaging.

“I like competition,” he said. “That’s good competition. He’s a big dude.

“My coach told me it was a big game today. I took it as an opportunity to improve myself.”

The 6-foot-11, 270-pound Azubuike showed his muscles during pre-game introductions.

However, the 6-11, 225-pound Ayton looked to be the better player early. He was more active and beat his foe down court a couple of times. By halftime, he had a double-double.

His Balboa City team led for most of the way but Potter’s House chipped away and tied the game in the final minute, 46-46.

In overtime, Azubuike – who had tired out Ayton – took over. He had a dunk, hook and another dunk. Ayton made a nice move and also scored on an alley-oop but his efforts didn’t match his foe’s.

“My team depends on me to step up my game,” Azubuike said. “I have enough strength. I need to push my game.”

Azubuike finished with 20 points, 11 rebounds and two blocks.

Ayton had 23 points, 20 rebounds, four steals and two blocks.

La Lumiere 61, Danube City 46

Jalen Coleman’s 16 points led four players in double figures as La Porte (Ind.) La Lumiere downed Danube City from Vienna, Austria.

La Lumiere took a 16-6 lead and stretched it to 27-8. The Timberwolves did cut into the lead and had it down to 10 before the Lakers regained control.

Munis Tutu had 11 points and Isaac Humphries and Brandon Cyrus added 10 each for La Lumiere.

Karim Jallow scored 15 points and Marvin Ogunsipe added 10 for Danube City.

Sunday’s results

•Montverde Academy 96, Mount Hermon 87

•La Lumiere 61, Danube City 46

•Potter’s House 54, Balboa City 51, OT

Today’s games

9 a.m.: Archbishop Carroll vs. Florida Air

10:40 a.m.: Riverside vs. Bentonville

12:20 p.m.: Sierra Canyon vs. Webster Groves

2 p.m.: Wayne vs. Whitney Young

3:45 p.m.: St. Francis vs. Oak Ridge

5:30 p.m.: Mater Dei vs. Paul VI

7:15 p.m.: Trinity vs. Montverde Academy

9 p.m.: Wesleyan vs. Wheeler