Crusaders Stun Westborough; Moore's Three-Pointer at The Buzzer Wins!
Sophomore Drew Moore hit a three-pointer at the buzzer to lift host Groton-Dunstable to a 61-60 shocker over Westborough in Midland B action last Thursday night. GD entered the fourth quarter down seven points but these kids just don't quit.
"They just work so hard," said Coach Keith Woods.
It looked like a typical game for the Crusaders (6-13, 4-5 Midland B), outstanding effort, running the floor well, good rebounding but just not getting it done offensively. Seniors Zach Diamond and David Morin, with 18 and 16 points respectively had the Rangers (10-7, 7-2) ahead at all the stops and it looked like the night the GD seniors were playing their last home game would be a night to forget.
Despite trailing 34-25 at the half, the Crusaders hung around and closed the deficit to seven points on a fine driving lay-up by senior Coleman Hill as time ran out in the third.
The Crusaders, behind senior Matt Conlin (15 points) and freshman Corey Romich (17 points) roared back. Conlin with two consecutive threes tied the game at 51-51 before buckets by Morin and Danny Orlando had the visitors back ahead, 55-51 with 4:14 remaining.
But the GD rally continued. Corey Romich stepped back and drained a three off an in-bounds play following an offensive rebound by senior Phil Dubay.
Down by one, the Crusaders took their first lead of the game on a soft runner by Romich that rolled tantalizingly around the rim before dropping. Diamond went one for two at the line to knot the game at 56-56 with 2:34 to play.
Connor Fitzgerald was fouled and converted both to push Westborough ahead, 58-56 with 1:32 left. Romich threaded a beautiful pass to Conlin who finished and we were tied 58-58 to the delight of Groton-Dunstable fandom.
When Diamond was fouled and converted both to give Westborough a 60-58 lead with 12.8 remaining, well you had to wonder.
"I was the second option," grinned sophomore Drew Moore. "I had bricked everything all night but I looked up and saw two seconds left and had to shoot." The gym, the Crusaders erupted, while Westborough was stunned!
"Matt (Conlin) and Corey (Romich) hit some big shots. The defense was outstanding. I am so proud of the team and the way they continue to give solid effort." Coach Woods said.
GD ended their season at 5-5 with a win 69-60 win over Marlborough. Drew Moore scored a season high 20 points for the Crusaders (7-13, 5-5 Midland B). Including Moore, Corey Romich (14 points), Charlie Burke (13 pts.) and Phil Dubay (12 pts) four players scored in double figures.
It's been a struggle some nights for the Crusaders this season. But the recent Westborough and Marlborough games will be ones that these student athletes will always remember.
