OA Boys' Basketball Defeats B-R, Advances to Lehmann Tourney Finals

While scratching and clawing for most of their wins in a competitive Hockomock League throughout the regular season, the OA boys' basketball team rarely finds itself with a 20 or more point advantage with time to spare in the game.

That's why the Tigers' 81-56 win over Bridgewater-Raynham (5-12) in the first round of the Harry Lehmann Memorial Tournament Sunday at Bridgewater State University was refreshing, head coach Don Byron said.

"We hadn’t had one of those all year," he said. "It was just good to get. Every game's a grind. You come out going against the wind and it takes a toll on you – all of these grinders that we have in this league. So, it was nice to get a little bit of breathing room."

Ahead 59-40 after three periods, the OA coach was able to rest his starters and give his bench an opportunity.

In addition to the starting five, Lance Handy, John Moroney, Nick Cidado, Ryan Evans and Ryan Carney all added points to the scoreboard Sunday.

"The biggest thing that was nice was that we were able to get some guys some playing time, right down the line," Byron said. "They all did good things."

The Tigers' captains, Nick Bruha and Andrew Reardon led the way in the first three periods. Bruha, thanks in part to four 3-pointers, finished the game with 24 points and Reardon finished with 11. Guard St. Claire Ryan also finished with 11 points. Center Jeff Babbitt and freshman guard Ryan Carney finished with 7.

The bulk of OA's points were the result of a strong transition game, which led to break-away layups.

"That was nice tonight," Byron said. "It was a wide open floor. If we’re not overwhelmed size wize we can do that against certain teams."

OA (12-7) takes on Duxbury in the tournament championship Monday night at 7 at Bridgewater's Adrian Tinsley Center.

Duxbury's size could pose a difficult task for OA, Byron said.

"Tomorrow night we’ll see," he said. "Tomorrow night presents a whole different set of issues. They’re big all over the place. They’ve got 6-4 two gards and things like that."