BERLIN- Despite a furious comeback attempt, Worcester Prep’s boys’ varsity basketball team fell to Salisbury School, 49-41, in the ESIAC tournament championship game, ending what was otherwise a remarkable season for the Mallards.
Worcester Prep beat Delmarva Christian, 58-36, last Wednesday in the ESIAC semifinals. Against the Royals, Worcester got out to a 12-4 lead in the first and led 34-7 at the half and never looked back. Meanwhile, Salisbury School edged Salisbury Christian, 49-48, on the other side of the bracket, setting up a championship game between the Mallards and the Dragons on Friday.
For Worcester, the ESIAC title game took on extra special meaning. Salisbury School beat Worcester, 53-42, back on February 11, ending the Mallards’ 11-game winning streak. In the rematch on Friday in the title game, Salisbury School got out to a big early lead and led by as many as 15 points in the second half.
The Mallards mounted a furious comeback and cut the lead to just one point with 40 seconds remaining. However, Worcester was forced to foul in the closing seconds and Salisbury School converted their free throws and held on for the 49-41 win. Despite the loss, the season was a big success by any measure with the 11-game winning streak and an overall mark of 14-3.