Van Moczydlowsky delivered when it mattered most, setting up E.J. Vernon's go-ahead layup with 11.4 seconds remaining as Crossroads held off Windward 58-55 in a back-and-forth battle Saturday at the Windward School.
The victory improved Crossroads to 12-13 on the season as the team continues its push toward a .500 record before the regular season concludes Feb. 5 at Viewpoint.
Lucas Bozé led all scorers with 21 points for Crossroads, while Louis Bond paced Windward with 18 points in the losing effort.
The game featured multiple lead changes and clutch shots down the stretch, with neither team able to pull away until the final seconds.
Windward jumped out to an early 8-5 advantage midway through the first quarter, prompting visible frustration from Crossroads coaches during a timeout. The hosts extended their lead to 19-12 by the end of the opening period behind their aggressive 2-3 zone defense.
Crossroads showed patience against the zone throughout the contest, working the ball around the perimeter rather than forcing difficult shots. The strategy began paying dividends in the second quarter when Moczydlowsky, a freshman coming off the bench, provided an immediate spark with a 3-pointer, rebound and assist to 6-foot-9 power forward Cheikh Diebakhate.
"Full speed" was the instruction Windward's coach could be heard shouting to his players in the second quarter as they tried to increase the game's pace. The strategy helped maintain their advantage, though Moczydlowsky connected on another 3-pointer to keep Crossroads within striking distance.
A late three-pointer by Bozé out of a timeout cut into the Windward lead, but the hosts still held a one-point edge at halftime.
The third quarter opened with Bond drilling a 3-pointer for Windward, only to see Bozé answer immediately with one of his own. The momentum continued to swing back and forth until Vernon tied the game with a thunderous dunk that energized the Crossroads bench.
Crossroads carried a narrow 44-43 lead into the fourth quarter, setting up a frantic finish.
Bozé extended the visitors' advantage to seven points with another 3-pointer early in the final period, but Bond responded with a three of his own to keep Windward within range.
The final two minutes turned into what could only be described as helter-skelter basketball, with both teams trading baskets and the lead changing hands multiple times.
Bond appeared to deliver the decisive blow when he connected on a 3-pointer with 34 seconds remaining, giving Windward a 55-54 lead and sending the home crowd into a frenzy.
But Moczydlowsky, the freshman who had provided energy off the bench throughout the night, remained composed in the pressure-packed moment. He calmly surveyed the court before finding Vernon for the game-winning layup with 11.4 seconds left on the clock.
Windward had one final opportunity to regain the lead, but their last-second attempt fell short, sealing the road victory for Crossroads.
The win marked a crucial step for Crossroads in their quest to reach .500 before the regular season ends. With their balanced offensive attack and patient approach against Windward's zone defense, they showed the poise needed for late-game situations.
Moczydlowsky's performance off the bench proved particularly valuable, as the freshman displayed the calmness and decision-making that belied his age. His contributions in ball-handling situations and his ability to make plays for teammates complemented his outside shooting.
Diebakhate, the power forward from Senegal, provided interior presence for Crossroads, while Vernon's athleticism created problems for Windward throughout the contest.
For Windward, Bond's 18-point effort kept them competitive throughout, but they couldn't quite finish off the upset bid on their home court.
The victory gives Crossroads momentum as they continue their season, having proven they can win close games on the road against quality competition.