LYNN — The No. 16 Lynn Classical boys basketball team had to work for its win against No. 17 Pittsfield Friday night. The Rams needed overtime, but protected home-court with a 78-76 victory in Division 3.
Classical had its chance to close the game out in regulation. Trailing for the majority of the second half, the Rams went on a late run – much to the crowd’s delight.
With 33 seconds remaining – in someone’s season – Classical’s Shyheim Babb grabbed an offensive rebound and made a layup to give the Rams a one-point lead. Then, Classical forced a turnover and had a chance to close it out.
However, the Generals had different plans, swiping a steal on the inbounding pass and scoring a layup to go up one, 71-70.
On the Rams’ next possession, Babb grabbed another offensive rebound and had a chance to win the game at the line. Despite missing one of two shots, you could say he did what he had to.
Pittsfield had two chances to win it at the buzzer, but missed a 3-point attempt and putback.
In a back-and-forth overtime, and after a crucial Pittsfield turnover, Classical’s Kameron Rucker picked up a loose ball and was fouled, sending him to the line with two seconds remaining.
Rucker connected on both free throws to seal the win.
“He’s a junior and showed some leadership at the line when we needed him. He overcame the adversity and pressure, and knocked down both free throws and carried us in overtime,” said Classical Coach Marvin Avery.
The Rams trailed by six points (31-25) at the half, but then, the offense began to click.
Not only did Deshawn Rucker lead Classical with 25 points, but he played the entire game while guarding Pittsfield’s top scorer.
“He stays calm and cool. He made a few mistakes, but that’s what happens sometimes when you play the whole game,” Avery said. “He just kept working through adversity and did a nice job.”
When the Rams needed extra possessions, Babb (16 points, 9 rebounds) came up big late in the fourth and in overtime, constantly demanding the ball in the post and making the defense pay.
DJ Reynolds (21 points) came out firing in the second half, connecting on two threes early in the third to give the Rams some momentum.
And from the first minute to the last, Avery was appreciative of the Classical faithful.
“It’s why I built this program at Lynn Classical. We’re the GBL (Greater Boston League) champions, we got a home game, and it’s good for our crowd,” Avery said. “I’m very excited for us and our program.”
The Rams had to play without key player Rolky Brea Arias, but he will return to action in the next round.
“When you have a key player out for the last two games – adversity hitting, needing overtime – you need to overcome that and keep going on to the next play and that’s what we did,” Avery said.
Now, Classical will make its way to top-ranked St. Mary’s in the Sweet 16 (TBD). Avery said he’ll have his team ready to go.
“It’s good for both programs. I have respect for those guys. I’ve got friends over there, the kids who I’ve coached before, and I’m friends with their parents,” Avery said. “I’m excited to go over there and it should be a great game – with a great atmosphere. We’ll be ready to go there with our big guy back.”
