GUILDERLAND CENTER — Sneakers screeched, arms were active and miscues were being forced by the Albany Academy boys’ basketball team Sunday afternoon as a double-digit deficit with two minutes remaining was reduced to two points with 14 seconds left. The Cadets, however, were unable to force a sixth turnover from Monsignor Farrell over the last 100 seconds and dropped a tough 55-51 decision against the Lions in the Federation Tournament of Champion Class A title game at Guilderland High School.
The Cadets (15-7), a squad that never led Sunday, trailed 52-41 with two minutes left. Following a basket by Albany Academy freshman forward Cyrus Matia, Monsignor Farrell (23-6) turned the ball over four straight possessions and Albany Academy later cut its deficit to 53-51 on two free throws from Liam Hayes.
Following a timeout, the Lions made a pair of successful passes before Edward Loughlin was fouled with 10.3 seconds remaining. The senior confidently knocked down both attempts to produce the final margin.
“I honestly thought we were going to pull off something miraculous,” Albany Academy first-year coach Jim Driggs said. “It is tough to play with a lead and I thought our pressure got to them. We fouled, and give (Loughlin) credit as he made two foul shots. I thought we were going to do it.”
The Cadets shared in their coaches’ belief that the comeback would be completed successfully. Naturally, the nine senior members of the Albany Academy roster were upset at the final outcome and many shed tears awaiting the post-game awards ceremony.
“We were so close, and in a game like this it makes it hurt a little more being so close to winning,” Albany Academy senior point guard Gianni DiCerbo said.
“We got down and used their turnovers to get us going,” said junior forward Arthur Foster, who scored all 10 of his points during the second quarter. “It…
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