January 18, 2014

Rivers' 3-pointer Gives Massasoit MBB Comeback Victory

Warriors overcome double-digit second half deficit on the road

Box Score

GROTON, Conn. ---- Anthony Rivers (Boston/John O'Bryant Vocational) drained a go-ahead 3-pointer with 8.2 seconds left as the Massasoit CC men's basketball team earned a 78-75 come-from-behind victory against the University of Connecticut at Avery Point on Saturday afternoon.

 

Massasoit trailed by double digits in the second half and rallied to improve to 6-7 on the year.

 

"It was a great team victory and was much needed," head coach Jim Stapleton said. "It was a fun day and a great comeback by our guys. We were down 13 with 12 minutes to go and we were able to hang around. It was great to see us click on both ends of the court and play with a toughness down the stretch."

 

Rivers, who was playing in his first game of the season for the Warriors, finished with 19 points and four blocks. The sophomore showcased a strong game on both ends of the court. Rivers deflected UCAP's potential game tying shot as time expired to help preserve the victory.

 

"Rivers made a big impact for us. WIthout him we do not win the game today," Stapleton said. "He played with great enthusiasm and was a positive influence out on the court."

 

Massasoit fell behind early, trailing by as many as 15 in the first half, but bounced back to only trail by six at the half, 40-34.

 

The Warriors rallied in the second half and actually took the lead with six minutes to go. The lead would pendulum back in forth between the two teams throughout the rest of contest. With the score tied and 30 seconds to go, Antonio Ferreira (Stoughton/Stoughton HS) drove to the hoop and kicked out to Rivers who buried the go-ahead 3-pointer.

 

Ferreira finished with a double-double, scoring 13 points and grabbing 12 rebounds. He added four blocks to the box score.

 

Chris Green (Taunton/Bridgton Academy) led all Warrior scorers with 27 points. Colin Campbell (Holbrook/Holbrook HS) added a strong game with eight points and eight boards in the victory.

 

Massasoit returns to the hardwood on Monday, hosting Gateway CC. Game time is set for 3:30 p.m. in Brockton.