Moore Catholic started slowly and rallied in the third quarter before dropping a 84-58 CHSAA AA game to Cardinal Hayes Tuesday night in the Bronx.
Senior guards Mark Fiorello (19 points) and Frank Schettino (13 points) helped the Mavericks (1-1, 5-2) cut a 42-26 halftime deficit to nine points midway through the third stanza before the Cardinals used a 9-0 run to start the fourth quarter.
"We made a run at them, but had expend a lot of energy to get back into the game,'' said Moore assistant coach Sal Mazzara. "They're a real talented team that played at a high level.''
Junior forward Wanjala Mwesiga added 10 points to the Maverick attack.
Hayes junior guard Chris Robinson led all scorers with 22 points, while Ramel Coleman added 15, Tyler Wilson 12 and Shavar Newkirk 10.
Moore travels to St. Peter's on Friday night.