What started out looking like a losing battle turned into a hard-fought 63-60 win in a tough Gold OAA Conference game between the Oxford boys varsity basketball team and Birmingham Andover on Friday, Feb. 1.
‘We will learn and get better,? said Head Coach Paul Marfia. ‘I am glad (it was a) fight and the fact we did not fold under pressure.?
After starting out down 13-2 in the first quarter, the boys were able to tie it 13-13.
Following six ties and lead changes, the boys went into halftime up 28-16. Starting the second half, the Wildcats led way, putting four more points on the board, but Andover turned it around to have a 42-38 at the end of the third quarter.
In the fourth, Oxford found themselves up by 11 points, but once again, Andover came charging back to lessen the gap.
‘We had a hard time closing out the game because of our casual approach to handling the ball. They were more aggressive and that sometimes happen late in a game,? said Marfia. ‘We also left a lot of points on the line, another cardinal sin of closing out big games.?
In the end, the Wildcats were able to shut Andover down to achieve victory.
‘Andover is a very tough team that is well-coached. I expected nothing less from them,? Marfia added. ‘Now, we enjoy our Winterfest victory and come ready for work next Friday at home versus Stoney Creek (starting at 7 p.m.).?