Here is a slideshow of photos from the action in Colonia’s non-conference win over Cranford of the Union County Conference during the fourth week of the 2016-17 boys basketball season.
GMC Hoops traveled out to Colonia High School for the non-conference match-up between the Patriots and Cranford of the Union County Conference.
Trailing 18-15 at the half, and 23-18 midway through the third, Colonia put together a 12-0 run sparked by a Tim Carroll three, and highlighted by a couple scores from Luke Valeriano, a go ahead jumper by Connor Bevilacqua, and capped by a score from Chris Sica for a 30-23 lead with about five and a half minutes remaining.
Cranford battled back with 9 of the next 11 points including a three pointer with 1:23 remaining to tie the score at 32-32. The Cougars then had a chance to win over a Colonia turnover with 55.4 seconds left, but they couldn’t capitalize. The Patriots then went ahead when Tim Carroll sank one of two from the line with 4.9 seconds left, and held on for the 33-32 win as Cranford missed a last second shot attempt.
Valeriano led Colonia with 10 points while Carroll chipped in with 8 and Kristian Chapman added 5. Ryan Bakie led all scorers with 12 for Cranford while Alex Gall chipped in with 10. The victory was one of three non-conference wins for the GMC yesterday including two against the Union County Conference, which came into yesterday with a 7-1 record versus the GMC this season.