There's something about going up against a Division I player that motivates others.

Hartnel Haye is a prime example.

While the Paul VI senior forward scored a team-high 24 points, it was his play at the defensive end against Butler-bound Khalif Battle that proved to be the biggest in Saturday's showdown.

With the final seconds ticking down, Haye came up with a huge block and Paul VIheld on for an 81-77 victory over Trenton Catholic in the Coaches vs. Cancer showcase at Holy Cross Prep.

"He had guys beat on the wing, so I just had to step up and make a play for our team," Haye said.

"It's motivation. He's a Butler commit and I don't even have any offers. It was a big boost for me."

Paul VI (15-2), No. 15 in the statewide NJ.com Top 20, extended its winning streak to eight in a row. Tyshon Judge, who finished with 19 points and four assists, sealed the outcome with eight seconds remaining with a pair of foul shots.

"We knew that was going to be a battle," Paul VI coach Tony Devlin said. "They are very athletic and have two or three Division I kids.

"Our pressure defense kept us in the game. I don't think they expected that, but we did a really good job of keeping them in check."

Jaylen Boyd-Savage added 14 points and four steals for Paul VI. Wisler Sanon had 11 points, three rebounds and three steals, while Jordan Pierre chipped in with six points, eight rebounds and two blocks.

"The first part of the season is over, the first 16 games for playoffs. Now it's the (Olympic National) at stake and to see where we stand with everyone else," Devlin added. "That was a big confidence builder."

The contest was close throughout, with Paul VI holding a 41-40 halftime lead. The Eagles went up by 11 before Trenton Catholic (9-8) cut its deficit to 61-55 heading into the fourth.

The Iron Mikes cut it to 75-74 with 41 seconds left and again at 78-77 on a 3-pointer by Battle with 24 seconds remaining.

Battle led all scorers with 31 points to go along with 14 rebounds, four assists and two steals. Jamir Watkins added 21 points and six boards, while EJ Evans added 12 points. The loss snapped an eight-game winning streak.

But in the end, it was a play at the defensive end that proved most impactful.

"They have a lot of D-I talent, so we just really tried to play our best and show everyone that we are one of the best teams in the state," Haye said. "There was a lot of scoring, a lot of ball movement. Everybody got involved that played.

"This shows we can compete with anyone, anywhere. It was a big win."