The IAABO Board 27 Comcast Tournament has become one of the top basketball tournaments in Massachusetts in recent years. It is often a stepping stone for teams looking to gain momentum ahead of the state playoffs.

Sophomore guard Jacari Jenkins finished with 13 points to go with six assists and four rebounds, earning MVP honors as Catholic Memorial defeated Newton South in the Rich Antonelli consolation game, 79-62, at Emmanuel College on Monday.

“It felt good,” Jenkins said. “We just knew we had it coming with energy at the start. Yesterday, we had bad energy in the game. We just knew we had to turn it around, pick it up on defense a little bit. Switch a couple of things. We were fine (after that).”

The game was a rematch of an early-season thriller at the Garden City Classic, which Catholic Memorial (11-8) won in a 69-64 nail-biter. This time, the Knights wasted no time taking control.

The Knights suffered a tough loss to Masconomet earlier in the tournament, but showed poise early on Presidents’ Day with Johnny Ramos kick-starting things. The senior captain finished with eight points in the opening frame alone, providing the Knights a 29-17 edge.

Jenkins then stepped up in the second quarter, beating the halftime buzzer with a layup. At that point, it appeared the Knights were set to run away with things, leading 50-34.

Yet, Newton South (9-9) refused to go quietly. Powered by the trio of Kingston Flemming, Matteo Lee and Reynel Villar, the Lions slowly chipped away at their seemingly insurmountable deficit.

With 5:20 left in regulation, Lee knocked down a jump shot, bringing Newton South back within 66-60.

The Knights then iced things by embarking on a 6-0 run moments later. In a quick blink, it was a 74-62 contest and Catholic Memorial coasted to the finish.

“I think they made their run, but I think they also tired themselves out making the run,” Knights coach Denis Tobin said. “We had enough to put them away at the end.”

Junior forward Jeremy Hernandez helped power Catholic Memorial with 14 points to go with eight rebounds, while Kise Flannery (12 points, 11 rebounds) added a double-double.

“This was good,” Tobin said. “Yesterday, we did not play well. Masconomet had size. They bothered us. So we were looking to bounce back. Our schedule is brutal. We had Bridgewater-Raynham Friday night, then Masco. We needed to get a win under our belts to feel a little bit better about ourselves. I’m very pleased with the way we played today, spreading the ball around. I think we had four or five guys in double-figures, which is what we need to do to be successful.”

Flemming finished with a game-high 19 points for Newton South, with Lee (11 points, five rebounds) and Villar (12 points) aiding the Lions.

Catholic Memorial has one more regular-season game left this week. Then, the Knights turn their attention to the Div. 1 playoffs.

“It’s been a roller coaster,” Tobin said. “We’ve played some really good games, and we’ve played some really bad ones. I haven’t figured it out yet. I’m hoping. We’ve got Salem Thursday, then the tournament. I hope we’re going back up to the top of the roller coaster, and not sinking.”