The Crosby boys basketball team hadn’t faced a real challenge in its first three games of the season. The Bulldogs blasted Watertown, Holy Cross and Seymour by an average margin of over 35 points per game.
Crosby’s first challenge emerged in its fourth game of the season Tuesday night at Kennedy against Armand LeVasseur’s Eagles. The Bulldogs needed everything they had in their collective tanks, and more, to down the host Eagles, 97-91, in double overtime inside the Jack Taglia Gymnasium.
Though he had a topsy-turvy night overall, Jonathan Rivera still posted a triple-double of 27 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists to lead Crosby, which improved to 4-0. The Bulldogs were able to overcome a rough night from beyond the arc (4-for-27, 15% on 3-point attempts) and handling the ball (40 turnovers) by making plenty of twos and enough free throws. Crosby was 27 of 47 on two-point attempts, and it made 31 of 45 free throw attempts. Chris Spears connected for 18 points and six rebounds while Jason Robinson added 14 points and eight rebounds.
Synciere Alves led Kennedy (1-1) with 22 points while Manny Beamon added 15 points. The Eagles flew out to an 18-9 lead after one quarter, only to watch the Bulldogs claim a two-point lead by halftime after a 26-15 second quarter. Kennedy outscored Crosby, 26-20, in the third quarter to snatch a 59-55 lead entering the final eight minutes of regulation. The Bulldogs won the fourth quarter, 23-19, to send the game to overtime tied at 78. The teams were tied, 85-85, after the first overtime. Crosby outscored Kennedy, 12-6, in the second overtime to finally close out the game.
For those who are interested, Kennedy travels to The Crosby Palace for the rematch on Feb. 15 at 7 p.m. Crosby’s next challenge looms Thursday on Nick Augelli Court against undefeated Naugatuck (4-0). The tip-off for that game is scheduled for 7 p.m.
Note: Crosby statistics were posted to MaxPreps.com
Photo caption: Jonathan Rivera and the Crosby boys basketball team outlasted Kennedy, 97-91, in double overtime Tuesday night inside the Jack Taglia Gymnasium at Kennedy High School. (Copyright, Sports on CT-69)
