A Tough Loss on Senior Night

Andrew Luarasi

Coach+Gifford+during+a+timeout

Coach Gifford during a timeout

Andrew Luarasi, CBN Reporter

In a battle of league rivals, the Bulldogs were coming into a Senior Night matchup against West Bridgewater with a hard task in front of them. To sneak their way into the tourney, they had to win at least two of their last three games. 

Their first roadblock was a formidable Wildcats team and although they had taken a tough loss to Bishop Connolly 67-52, the Wildcats are set up to be one of the higher seeds in the tourney with their 12-5 record.

 Meanwhile, the Bulldogs were trying to snap a two-game losing streak. Sitting at 8-12, the Bulldogs controlled their own fate, win the next two games out of the three and they’re in, lose them, and their season would end in disappointing fashion. 

As the tip was taken by Center Duane Thompson, the Bulldogs began their trek towards qualifying for the tourney. The Bulldogs were led by Seniors Zach Duzan (14 points), Ahmad Paul (23 points), and Marcus Spencer (9 points). Freshman, Thompson (23 points) also provided a great presence in the paint. Freshmen Owen Burke and Daveon Scott also contributed in the rotation. 

Opposing them, the Wildcats countered Thompson in the paint with the Ryan duo of Casimir and Chase. Nathan Razza and Jack Shea shot great from beyond the arc, even hitting some from college range. Stephen Gabriel also contributed with quick-hitting passes and easy 2s. 

Despite a great performance from the Bulldogs on Senior Night, it wasn’t enough to overcome a powerful Wildcat team. Ultimately, The Bulldogs fell 77-69 in an extremely competitive match up. “Obviously we played them a lot better this time,” Coach Richard Gifford said “the first time we lost by 20” 

With the loss behind them, the Bulldogs look to finish strong and cap off the season with two wins to sneak into the tournament. 

“The goal is to try and get to ten wins so we can make the tourney.” Gifford said, “We have to beat Avon tomorrow and beat South Shore Christian Monday night”