WESTWOOD — Needham’s defense came up with several late big stops to help lift the Rockets to 59-54 boys basketball victory over Xaverian on Saturday evening.
The Hawks and the Rockets just a few days ago met at Needham in an early season non-league matchup, with Needham pulling out the 62-53 victory. Being back at home, the Hawks looked to get some vengeance.
Unlike the first meeting, the Hawks had control of the game, but the Rockets stayed within striking distance.
Throughout the night, the teams continued to play a game of tug of war with neither team giving the other an inch.
In the first half the four points were the largest margin when Xaverian opened the second quarter with a 4-0 run to take a 16-11 lead.
The teams exchanged baskets the rest of the quarter with Xaverian going into the half with a 26-25 lead.
Coming out the second half the teams continued to trade blows, after the Rockets took a 32-30 lead Xaverian responded with a 15-5 run to end the quarter to take a 45-37 lead.
It looked like the Hawks were primed to cruise to the nonleague victory, but the Rockets had other plans. Needham opened the fourth quarter on a 6-0 run and eventually cut the deficit to 50-47. Then, a three-pointer from Ben Marino tied the score before Matthew Cloonan gave the Rockets a 52-50 edge on the next offensive possession.
From there, the Rockets were efficient at the free throw line and the Hawks were unable to match, allowing Needham to squeak out the narrow victory.
