Published in the Boston Globe on March 2, 2013
The top seed in the Division 1 North boys’ basketball tourney is out.
St. John’s Prep fell at home to eighth seed-Andover, 62-59, in overtime Friday night. The Eagles ended their season at 19-3, while Andover (16-6) moved on to the semifinals.
“It’s a great win for our community, it doesn’t have much to do with St. John’s, but more about the reliance of our kids,” Golden Warriors coach Dave Fazio said.
The game tilted back and forth throughout. St. John’s Prep had a 2-point lead in the closing seconds of regulation but Andover’s David Giribaldi converted a layup before the buzzer to force overtime. Giribaldi finished with 11 points after a scoreless first half.
Chris Dunn (8 points) made a pair of free throws to give the Golden Warriors a 3-point lead in OT, and St. John’s missed a tying 3-point attempt at the finish.
“Two great teams going toe to toe, and we were lucky to come out on top,” Fazio said.
Andover’s Sam Dowden led all scorers with 19 points and 10 rebounds. The Eagles were led by Josh Syska with 16 points.