CAMBRIDGE – Ian Piper’s late basket in overtime lifted Holland Tech (15-3) to a 68-67 boys basketball victory over Cambridge Rindge & Latin.
Wednesday eveningfelt like a tournament game between the host Falcons and the visiting Bulldogs.
Cambridge (12-4), which led most of the game, held a nine-point lead with 3:46 remaining in regulation. Holland Tech went on a 9-4 run thanks to heroics from seniors Caleb Florence and Piper to send the game into overtime.
“We were down all game, but we rallied back,” said Piper. “We stayed disciplined and tough.”
Down 62-57, Piper found Jalil Lawson on the wing for a wide-open three-pointer that cut the lead to two. After a defensive stop, Lawson found Florence (20 points) on an inbound for a wide-open layup that tied the game at 62.
With a chance to win the game in regulation, the Falcons’ defense forced a turnover that sent the game to overtime.
“We stayed poised, Cambridge has one of the best environments in the state,” said Holland Tech head coach Joe Chatman.
In overtime, the game became a tug of war to see who would make the last stand. After Jaydaan Correia gave the Falcons a 64-62 lead, Piper, who finished the game with 25 points and seven rebounds, gave the Bulldogs back the lead on a three-pointer.
Two free throws by Falcons senior Iman Firmin provided yet another lead change, needing to make a play for his team. Piper found himself in the right spot for a last-second basket.
The win should help the Bulldogs improve within the Div. 3 power rankings, where they currently rank 17th despite their strong record.
