RallyNorth.net

WHITTIER — Having already clinched a playoff berth, Whittier was looking for a boost before entering the postseason.

Through the first 28 minutes yesterday, though, the Wildcats appeared headed for their fifth loss in their final six regular-season games. But with Ryan Grant leading the way, they found the on switch in time to force overtime before running past visiting Greater Lawrence for a 64-54 victory in the Commonwealth Conference finale for both teams."

"The energy level of the crowd — the atmosphere — helped," Grant said. "We didn't want to go out and lose, so we had to get our energy higher. And once we started playing better, our defense helped create our offense."

After watching Greater Lawrence (9-10 overall, 8-6 conference) seemingly take control when Donald Celestin scored seven points to open the final quarter, Whittier (11-9, 8-6) suddenly discovered the rim. Trailing 41-33 with 6 minutes remaining, Justin Reyes scored on a driving lay up that sparked the Wildcats onto a 12-2 run that tied the score with 2:14 left.

Greater Lawrence junior Joey Rivera-Falcone and Grant each connected from 3-point range seconds apart, but neither team was able to score over the final 1:53 of regulation.

Grant opened overtime with another 3 that ignited Whittier as the Wildcats scored the first seven points and 10 of the first 12 in overtime to take a commanding lead. Grant scored 10 of his team's 18 points in the extra frame. The Whittier sophomore finished with a game-high 33 points — 27 of them after halftime, and 18 of them during the final 7 minutes.

"After the Haverhill game, I realized I was taking too many shots and not getting my teammates the ball," said Grant, who added 17 rebounds and four steals. "So, the first half I was more concerned getting my teammates the ball, and when my team needs me the most, that's when I went to work."

The Wildcats, who lost an overtime decision to the Reggies in December, scored 35 points in the game's first 28 minutes before erupting for 29 over the final 8.

"When we lose focus and don't pay attention to making basketball plays, we have issues," Whittier coach Tom Sipsey said. "But when we're sharp and we're alert we have some swagger. When Ryan's taking care of the ball, we're pretty good. We have athletes that rebound and we have guys that can defend. it's good balance, but we have to be sharp mentally. Really, it's not physical with them, it's mental."

Celestin scored a team-high 30 points — 17 of them after the start of the fourth — for Greater Lawrence.

"Whittier played good defense, and our shot selection wasn't very good," Greater Lawrence coach Dan Habib said of his team's play down the stretch. "We did let it slip away, no doubt. Ryan hit the big 3 at the beginning of the overtime. Then he hit a couple more (field goals) , and we had to foul."