With its chance at grabbing the CNY Counties League National division lead thwarted by Henninger early last week, the Liverpool boys basketball tema did not get rattled.
The Warriors looked toward Friday’s game at Auburn as a chance to recover in a hurry — and draw some attention, too, since the Maroons were riding a nine-game win streak following an 0-3 start.
Unfazed by Auburn’s hot run, the Warriors proceeded to shut them down, the defense again serving as the key factor as it took over down the stretch and beat the Maroons 54-45.
Liverpool took a while to get its own attack going — but in the meantime, it took away much of what Auburn tried to establish in the first half. As a result, when the teams went to halftime, the Warriors, while far from impressive, still carried a 22-17 lead.
The Maroons rallied in the third period to tie it, 36-36, but again the Warriors’ defense tightened for the homestretch. Liverpool doubled Auburn’s output, 18-9, in that final period and pulled in front for good.
Jesse Gates worked inside for 20 points, nearly double that of Auburn’s leader, Malcolm Bryant, who finished with 11 points.
Connor Rogers supplied the main help, earning 10 points, while Matt Harrington put up six points. Cam Jones, Anthony Salomone and Jeff Chase each had five points.
Now at 10-5, Liverpool has just one game this week, visiting Rome Free Academy on Thursday night.