BERLIN- Worcester Prep’s boys’ varsity basketball team won a thriller on Monday, beating visiting Nandua, 49-43, in overtime to avenge a loss earlier this season.
Both teams came out firing in a fast-paced first quarter, which ended with the score tied at 13-13. The pace slowed a little in the second quarter as both teams settled down into more of a half-court game. Neither team gained any real advantage in the second quarter, and Worcester took a one-point 20-19 lead into halftime.
After the furious first quarter, the scoring continued to drop through the middle of the game as both teams turned up the defense. Nandua scored eight points in the third quarter, while the Mallards posted just four and Nandua took a 27-24 lead into the final frame.
In the fourth, Worcester found its groove again on offense and outscored Nandua, 16-13, in the period to tie the game at 40-40 and send it into overtime. In the extra period, Worcester outscored Nandua, 9-3, and pulled out the thrilling 49-43 win in overtime. Owen Nally led the Mallards with 11 points and five assists, while Sam Cantello added nine points and 10 rebounds and Wyatt Richins pitched in nine points.
The win avenged a loss to Nandua on the road earlier this season. Back on December 2, the Mallards fell to Nandua, 60-46. Worcester’s record now stands at 6-6 heading into the winter break. The Mallards won’t play again until February 3 on the road against Salisbury Christian. Incidentally, Worcester lost to Salisbury Christian, 41-37, last Friday in a key ESIAC game.