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LAWRENCE — Despite winning last year’s Division 1 state championship, Central Catholic figured it still had some unfinished business.

The Raiders went 26-1 a year ago and was just 18 seconds away from an undefeated season. However, Bishop Hendricken rallied from a four-point deficit to claim a 61-60 victory in an early Feb. matchup between the two perennial New England powers.

The Central Catholic boys basketball team saw its perfect season melt in the waning seconds yesterday, falling at defending Rhode Island state champ, Bishop Hendricken, 61-60.

The Central Catholic boys basketball team saw its perfect season melt in the waning seconds yesterday, falling at defending Rhode Island state champ, Bishop Hendricken, 61-60.

LAWRENCE - Staring down illness, constant defensive pressure and a high-powered Bishop Hendricken arsenal, the Central Catholic boys defended the Bay State's hoop reputation admirably.

Holding Hendricken, the monster of the Rhode Island Prep scene to five fourth quarter-points and zero field goals over the final 6:13, Central, now 16-1, rebounded from an eight-point deficit to pull out the matinee thriller, 58-55, at Memorial Gym.

Brave Benny Fernandez, who made as many trips to the men's room because of a flu bug as he did to the basket, came up with a crucial steal, sending Billy Marsden away for a breakaway layup and the lead 56-54, with 1:22 left.