LINDEN, NJ- The Linden High School Tigers boys varsity basketball team took to the floor Thursday night against the St. Mary of the Assumption High School (Elizabeth) Hilltoppers, looking to get back on the winning track after struggles in their Tuesday loss to Roselle Catholic HS.
The Tigers (ranked No. 6 on NJ.com’s Top 20) were able to get the lead at points of the second half and found themselves in a 43-43 tie with about three and a half minutes left, but they could not capitalize on chances down the stretch, as the Hilltoppers (ranked No. 11 on NJ.com’s Top 20) outscored the Tigers 12-1 in the final three minutes of play to capture a 55-44 win Thursday night in Elizabeth.
The Hilltoppers started the game with a quick offensive outburst, leading 8-2 just two minutes into the game. The Tigers were able to get back in the game, sparked by a turnover, finishing with a shot from senior Tavon Jones. After a slow start, Linden charged back to get within 13-11 after the first eight minutes of play.
The teams traded baskets back-and-forth, with Linden tying the game with just three minutes left in the second quarter at 19-19. The Hilltoppers were able to sink one more basket to take a 21-19 lead into halftime, with the Tigers turning around after a struggle through the first few minutes of action.
The tug-of-war between the two teams continued in the third quarter. Linden took their first lead of the game, courtesy of a three-point shot from sophomore Myles Ruth, giving his team a 29-27 lead with 3:30 left in the third quarter. Jones made it 31-27 Linden with a putback after an offensive rebound. The Tigers appeared to be doing the improvements following their Tuesday loss.
“I think just being more aggressive and making smarter decisions [was the difference tonight from Tuesday],” Linden senior Mikey Watkins said. “I think Tuesday, we just didn’t make the right plays from the very start.”
Full Coverage of Linden-St. Mary of the Assumption Boys Basketball Here
