Batra and Salisbury Lead Raiders Past Eagles
NORTH BRUNSWICK, NJ–The 10th ranked North Brunswick Raiders have had quite an adventurous season in 2016-17. It all started on opening night with a 91-86 double overtime thrilling upset of then pre-season number one ranked Sayreville.
There was then the last second win over East Brunswick (47-44) on the second and final day of action at the 2016 Brunswick Classic at South Brunswick High School. But there were down times as well. In a wild game some ten days ago, the Raiders lost a heartbreaker to J.F. Kennedy (67-66).
The roller coaster ride continued on Thursday night when the Edison Eagles came to town. Edison, which entered the contest with 4 wins in its last 5 games to match last year’s win total, gave the Raiders all they could handle in another game that went to double overtime at North Brunswick High School.
In the end though, North Brunswick was able to prevail with a 60-57 victory. GMC Hoops Comeback Player of the Year favorite, Maneet Batra led the Raiders in the victory with 21 points while Jordan Salisbury chipped in with 13. Avery Claggett also helped out with 9 while Adryan Salazar added 7.
Joe Cudakiewicz turned in a marvelous performance in defeat for the Eagles with a career high 35 points including five three pointers. Cudakiewicz also collected 7 rebounds, 2 assists, and a steal. Sophomore forward, Christian Wantong chipped in with 13 points along with 5 rebounds and an assist while senior Justin Turner picked up 6 points, 8 assists, 4 rebounds, and 4 steals.
Behind Cudakiewicz, the Eagles were able to enjoy a 24-15 edge in points scored from long distance, but the Raiders of North Brunswick were able to overcome that with a 32-24 advantage in points scored within the arc, and a 13-9 edge in points scored from the foul line. As a team, Edison collected 27 rebounds, 16 assists, 8 steals, and a block.
The game was close throughout with North Brunswick jumping out to a 12-10 first quarter lead, and maintaining a two point advantage at the half at 21-19. In the third though, Edison took control with a 15-11 showing for a 34-32 edge, but North Brunswick rallied in the fourth with an 11-9 effort to send the game into overtime tied at 43-43.
In the first overtime, both teams scored five points as the contest went to a second extra session tied at 48-48. Finally in the second overtime, North Brunswick emerged victorious with a 12-9 showing. With the victory, North Brunswick improves to 10-8 on the season including a 6-4 mark in the GMC White. Meanwhile, Edison dropped to 6-13 overall including a 2-8 mark in divisional play.
Both teams return to action on Saturday with North Brunswick traveling to Colonia to play the Patriots in a GMC White clash at 1:00 PM while Edison hosts J.F. Kennedy in another White Division matchup at 1:00 PM. You can listen to the replay of this game on the North Brunswick Radio Page powered by King James Radio.