Men’s Basketball Claims Barn Burner vs. Bunker Hill, 68-66

BROCKTON, Mass. ---- Free throws proved to be the name of the game in a contest that had the feeling of playoff basketball, as the Massasoit men's basketball team defeated Bunker Hill, 68-66 in a nail biter at the Asiaf Field House on Thursday night.

Omar Jules (Brockton) made a clutch free throw with 5.3 seconds left to put the Warriors up 68-66. On the ensuing Bulldogs' possession Frantz Fancois was fouled with just 0.1 left on the clock and could not convert either attempt as Massasoit (3-2, 3-1) escaped with the victory.

The loss marked the first of the season for the Bulldogs (2-1, 2-1), which were plagued by the foul line. Bunker Hill managed to make just 17 of 34 (50 percent) free throws on the night and went a mere 11 of 26 (42.3 percent) in the second half. On the flip side, Massasoit cashed in at the charity stripe after halftime, sinking 8-of-11.

Mike Ward (Brockton) led the Warrior offense with his fourth consecutive game of 20-or-more points. The sophomore scored 10 in each half, as Massasoit trailed 34-31 at the break.

Jovani Harper-Lopez (Randolph) poured in a career-high 18 points in the victory, including a pair of 3s, while Andrew Groh (East Bridgewater) chipped in win 10 points.

The Warriors received strong guard play from Bryan Tavares (Rockland), Steven McCall (Brockton) and Jules against a pressing Bunker Hill defense. McCall and Jules each scored eight points in the second half, with Jules provided quite the jolt for the Warrior offense late in the game with 3-pointer to go along with his clutch free throw.

Bunker Hill featured two players in double figures, including Taris Wilson Jr. (19 points) and Zachary Gattereau (17 points).

Massasoit returns to the hardwood on Saturday with a road contest against Holyoke CC slated for 1 PM.