WA Comes Back To Beat LA In OT

In a frantic finish, Worcester Academy defeated fellow NEPSAC Class AA Lawrence Academy in overtime, 81-75.

After playing an even first half, Lawrence's late surge put them up 35-30 at the half.  The frontcourt of sophomore Josh Ogundele (London, ENG) & juniro Mitch Doherty (Acton, MA) paced WA with seven points apiece for the half.

Lawrence came out strong in the second half and maintained a lead for most of the half.  Down by 13 points late in the half, Worcester started to apply pressure to LA's guards.  The Hilltopper defense lead the comeback with big plays from Doherty & junior guards Paul Durkee (Shrewsbury, MA), Jordan McAllister (Newburgh, NY) & Manav Randhawa (Ajax, CAN).  WA held LA scoreless for the last 2:11 of regulation, and tied the game on a McAllister layup with 30 seconds to play.  Lawrence's last shot rolled off the rim, and the game went to OT.

LA hit a 3-pointer right away in OT, but Doherty responded on the next Hilltopper possession with a trey of his own.  Ogundele drilled a pair of FTs with 2:45 on the clock to put WA up for good, and they pulled out a 81-75 victory.

Durkee lead the way with 20 points (including 17 in the second half and overtime) and four 3-pointers.  Doherty scored 16 points, while sophomore point guard Quest Harris (Lowell, MA) chipped in 13 points, 6 assists & 5 rebounds.  Ogundele added 10 points, as well.

WA improved to 3-4 overall and 3-3 in NEPSAC Class AA.  They will close out the 2017 portion of their schedule on Friday, as they head down to St. Andrew's School in Barrington, RI, to play Brimmer School at 3:45pm as part of the St. Andrew's Holiday Classic.
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