Westford Academy Boys’ Basketball returned to TD Garden for the first time since 2018 to play against Falmouth High School at the Andrew James Lawson Foundation Invitational. The Ghosts lost 47-42 in a nail-biting final quarter, not contributing to their season record but making their TD Garden record 0-3.
Both teams came out strong in the first quarter, fighting for possession as the score remained 0-0 until Falmouth put up the first points of the game. Because WA was unable to keep Falmouth away from the net, their opponent scored a three-pointer, increasing the score 5-0. With under three minutes remaining, sophomore Dillon Zicarelli was fouled and scored two free throws, putting WA on the board. After intense offensive and defensive plays from both teams, the first quarter came to an end with senior captain Blake Krikorian shooting a two-pointer and pulling WA up to a 7-5 lead.
“In the first half with multiple lineups our ball movement was great, [which helped] give us a double-digit lead,” Dillon Zicarelli said.
Heading into the second quarter, WA and Falmouth held up strong defensive ends, resulting in each team only scoring one two-pointer with less than six minutes remaining. Nevertheless, WA maintained their lead when senior Gavin Zicarelli made a three-pointer, increasing WA’s score 12-7.
Both teams then took a timeout with four minutes left in the half, allowing them to strategize. The rest of the quarter got physical as teams scrapped for the ball, meanwhile Falmouth attempted to close in on WA’s lead. Nevertheless, a layup by senior Liam Arnold pulled WA further ahead. This advancement was quickly challenged after Falmouth was fouled twice, awarding them four free throws which they successfully executed, following closely behind WA’s 14-13 lead.
Layups by senior captain Teddy Hirbour and Dillon Zicarelli in the last minute of the quarter created a 18-13 lead for the Ghosts heading into halftime.
Starting the third quarter off vigorous, sophomore Sam Bramanti scored a three-pointer within the first minute, increasing the Ghosts’ lead. As the quarter moved along, Falmouth scored multiple times, continuously closing in on WA’s leading score. With less than four minutes remaining, the Ghosts struggled to keep Falmouth from shooting as the latter called a timeout with the score reflecting WA’s tight lead, 24-23. Following the timeout, Sam Bramanti expanded WA’s lead with a two-pointer, but their upper hand was lost as Falmouth made a basket and was fouled by WA, pulling them ahead.
As the third quarter came to a close, both teams continued to struggle for possession. But as Dillon Zicarelli overtook Falmouth with a two-pointer, Sam Bramanti followed by sealing WA’s lead with another three-pointer going into the fourth quarter.
“We hustled and played defense well, [but] we could have slowed some possessions down, we rushed some plays that led to a turnover or a bad shot,” Sam Bramanti said.
Transitioning into the final quarter, Falmouth started powerfully, putting up multiple points and pulling ahead of WA. Nevertheless, a three-pointer by senior captain Jack Bussey led the Ghosts back to a 34-32 lead. With intense defense on both ends, neither team could hang on to the ball for long as possession continued to switch. With less than five minutes in the game, Falmouth was fouled again and successfully gained two more points, moving the Ghosts’ opponent in the lead 39-38.
As the game came down to the last few minutes the score remained close, causing both teams to expend their final bits of energy. The lead jumped back and forth between teams before Falmouth scored a three-pointer which drew them into a 42-40 lead. Still, WA refused to back down as junior Nipun Kodeboyena sprinted up the court to tie the game with less than a minute left.
With 29 seconds left, Falmouth took their final timeout. Stepping out of the timeout they shot a three-pointer, overtaking WA 45-42. Running out of game time, the Ghosts took a timeout with 23 seconds left, however Falmouth was fouled soon after and secured their position with another two points. After Falmouth rose ahead by five, the Ghosts took their final timeout with 13 seconds left in a last attempt to devise a game plan.
Ultimately, WA was unable to make a comeback with less than 20 seconds left in the game and lost 47-42 against Falmouth.
“I’m really happy [WA players] were able to experience [playing at TD Garden]. I certainly wish the outcome was different, but I think we just have to get back at it tomorrow and work hard,” head coach Christopher Bramanti said.
WA Boys’ Basketball will play their next game on Tuesday, Jan. 20 at 7 p.m. at Lowell Catholic High School.
