Canes' Comeback Falls Short

CHESHIRE, Mass. — The Hoosac Valley boys basketball team rallied from an 18-point halftime deficit and had a 3-point try in the final seconds to tie it, but St. Joseph held on for a 68-65 win on Friday night.

Taverick Roberson scored 36 points, and Lavante Wiggins added 14 for the Crusaders, who stayed unbeaten in Berkshire County going into Saturday afternoon's showdown with city rival Pittsfield.

The Hurricanes (2-3) outscored the defending Western Massachusetts champions 29-16 in the the third quarter to make a game of it.

After making a strong defensive stand but losing the rebound in the final 15 seconds, Hoosac fouled Mike Carpenter with 13.7 seconds on the clock and St. Joe up, 67-65. He made the second of two shots to extend the lead.

Hoosac came out of a timeout and got an open look at a game-tying shot, but its attempt at a 3-pointer rimmed out.

Matt Braman led Hoosac with 24 points, including 16 in the third quarter. Corey Puccio scored 14, and Trevor Alibozek had 13 rebounds for the Hurricanes.

Hoosac and St. Joe both will be in action Saturday at the Coaches Versus Cancer tournament at North Adams' Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts. The Crusaders face the Generals at 2; Hoosac Valley takes on Lee at 5:30.