NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ–Prior to the start of the varsity game, the JV squads from J.P. Stevens and New Brunswick went at it. I happened to get to the gym early after being over at Highland Park earlier in the day. Both teams combined for 40 points in the final frame while there were four lead changes and a tie over the last 11 minutes of the contest. J.P. Stevens came away the winner though with a 20-7 surge in the last six minutes for the 53-46 victory.
New Brunswick trailed 26-23 when I arrived with several minutes to go in the third period. Â The Junior Zebras then scored eight unanswered points to take a 31-26 lead before the Junior Hawks made one of two from the foul line for a 31-28 NBHS advantage after three.
Stevens opened the fourth quarter with a conventional three point play at the 7:34 mark fora 31-31 tie. Â New Brunswick scored the next six points including a three from the right wing at the 7:07 mark, and a conventional three point play at the 6:48 mark before the Junior Hawks got a steal for a score at the 6:34 mark for a 37-33 Junior Zebras lead.
NB would get a score to go up by six again, but JPS made two free throws and converted a three point play at the 5:12 mark for a 39-38 Junior Zebras lead. Â The Junior Hawks applied some pressure, and forced a steal that led to a layup, and got another turnover that led to two free throws for a 42-39 lead. Â New Brunswick then got scores at the 4:19 and 4:06 marks for a 43-42 lead before Stevens answered with four straight points including a bank shot from the left side to take a 46-43 lead with 3:36 left.
The visitors from North Edison then added one of two from the line at the 3:15 mark, drew a charge on the ensuing NB possession that led to a putback at the 2:46 mark, and then a steal for a layup for a 51-43 lead with 2:33 remaining. Â J.P. Stevens, which finished the game with a 20-7 surge in the final six minutes, went on to win 53-46.