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Middlesex Magic Defeats New Heights NYC in OT of Super 16 Showcase
By Crotty Jr., Thursday, Jul 15, 2010
Middlesex Magic 58 New Heights 52 (OT)
The contest went back and forth throughout the first half as no team ever held a lead above four points. Pat Connaughton led the way for the Magic with 18 points in the first 16 minutes on a combination of strong, athletic drives to the basket and a pair of three-point shots. Big East target Jermaine Sanders was the standout for New Heights, scoring in high volume while stroking threes and using his strong body to create his own shot off the dribble. The second half was more of the same as neither team was able to hold a consistent advantage until New Heights opened up a nine point lead with four minutes to go. The Magic responded with four straight stops and parlayed that into three consecutive three-pointers, two of which came from Max Masucci including one with only 17 seconds left to tie the game and eventually force overtime after the Magic got their final stop. Anthony Barry led the way defensively, locking up on the perimeter while also chipping in with 12 points on a series of strong slashes. Masucci would make clutch plays again in overtime as he came up with a steal and drove the length of the floor to start the two-minute extra period. Connaughton took over for the rest of the way as he attacked the rim and made six straight free-throws. Connaughton was absolutely magnificient throughout the game, going blow for blow with Sanders, and finishing with 31 points and 15 rebounds. Masucci (15 points) and Barry were also crucial to the win.