Sci-Tech Boys Pull Away Late at Taconic
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PITTSFIELD, Mass. – Visiting Sci-Tech Thursday handed the reigning state champion Taconic boys basketball team a 67-56 loss in its season opener.
It was a sloppy start for both teams, as neither team could find its feet early on. Taconic (0-1) looked like the better side, causing all sorts of trouble for Sci-Tech (1-0) on the defensive end, but the hosts were unable to capitalize.
Taconic had some good ball movement and was able to get the ball inside even though it couldn’t finish at the rim.
Another bright spot for Taconic was offensive rebounding. It was able to get plenty of second chances throughout the game that helped the poor shooting night.
The two teams went in the second quarter all squared at ten a piece. Sci-Tech started to get things going in the second quarter, slowly separating itself from Taconic. But late in the quarter Taconic was able to string some baskets together from defensive pressure. It finally took the lead on a nice offensive rebound kick out for three just before the end of the half.
Sci-Tech weathered the storm and leveled it up once again for a 27-27 score at the half. Tayvon Sandifer led the way for Taconic with 20 points, while Sean Harrigan chipped in with 15.
Taconic controlled most of the third quarter as well with Sandifer scoring seven of his 20. It was able to keep the pressure on, turning Sci-Tech over and getting easy baskets. Taconic finally got some separation and took a three-point lead into the fourth quarter.
Taconic was battling foul trouble all game and in the third and fourth quarter it started to have an impact. Sci-Tech knocked down 16 of 21 from the line in the second half and helped them regain the lead.
It wasn’t until five minutes remained in the game that Taconic took the lead again on a nice 3-pointer from Sandifer to make it 50-48. That was the last time Taconic held control as it allowed Sci-Tech to go on a 7-0 run finished off by a nice and one.
Sci-Tech never looked back and continued to widen the gap. It outscored Taconic 25-13 in the fourth and cruised the first win of the season. Taconic will look to shake this opening loss off and get back in action Saturday afternoon against Putnam in the PVIAC Tip Off Classic at the University of Massachusetts.