Rough Stretch for Crusaders

North Middlesex's Bobby Larsen (13 points), Richard Sharp (11), Tyler Thomas made their free throws down the stretch and the Patriots (9-10) overcame a seven point halftime deficit to down host Groton-Dunstable, 54-53. G-D's Corey Romich scored 14 points and Matt Tornaritis pumped in 12, with an impressive effort by Scott Csaplar who scored nine 9 points and pulled down15 rebounds

It didn't get easier Sunday against St. Bernard's (11-7).  Another excruciating loss! The Bernardians were down 53-50 with eight seconds remaining in regulation. An unidentified player put up what would have been the tying basket but it was short. ST.B's Mike Constantino tipped the ball out to John Conry who threw up prayer from beyond the arc that went in at the buzzer to send the game into overtime.

"A desperate shot that went in and we were just deflated," said Coach Greg Gillette.

Constantino then scored five of his eight points in overtime to help the host Bernardians slip past the Crusaders 63- 56.

"We really could be 11-7 too. We have lost some tough, close games," Gillette added.

Cory Romich had 23 points, including seven 3-pointers, Drew Moore scored 12 and Matt Tornaritis added eight for the Crusaders (7-11), who led at the half, 31-25.

Joseph Saba (15 points), Sean Maki (12), Christian LaRoche (12) and Tyler Benjamin (11) and Constantino (8) were the high scorers for the Bernardians.

With Groton-Dunstable (6-4, 7-11), Quabbin (6-4, 10-7) and Nashoba (6-4, 11-7) tied for second in Midland B with six wins each, it is too early to know who will be in the post-season. G-D could be the eighth seed and would play the No. 1.  I would not go to the bank with that nugget of information but keep it in the back of your head.