MAPLE GROVE (NY) 71, BRADFORD 69

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Dec. 27, 2007

OLEAN, N.Y. – Tyler Beaton nailed a 3-pointer from the top of the key with 3.2 seconds remaining lifting Maple Grove (N.Y.) to a 71-69 win over Bradford in the opening round of the IAABO Tournament at St. Bonaventure University Thursday night.

Bradford (6-4) was nursing a 1-point lead when Joe Caporale penetrated into the lane drawing help defense and then kicked the ball to the top of the circle where Beaton buried the game winner.

“We just couldn’t get defensive stops in the game when we needed them,” Bradford head coach Dave Fuhrman said. “We threw our entire defensive arsenal at them, but they always seemed to score when they needed to. They are unbeaten (7-0) and the No. 1 ranked team in their classification in the state of New York. They’re a very talented team, especially offensively, with a lot of guys that can score. Their depth and bench production were big factors in the game.”

Bradford lost despite getting 29 points from 6-foot-3 swingman Ryan LaBrozzi, who showed great versatility scoring on a variety of shots both inside and outside. The senior, who scored 16 of his points in the second half, added 10 rebounds and five assists.

“Ryan is having an outstanding season for us,” Fuhrman said. “I haven’t seen a better individual player other than Ryan all season.”

Ben Lanich added 13 points and 11 rebounds, and Drew Kelly chipped in with 13 for Bradford.

Chris Secky paced Maple Grove with 17 points, while his brother, Tom, added 15.

NOTES – Maple Grove led 36-32 at halftime after outscoring Bradford 18-12 in the second quarter, but the Owls used a 20-13 third-quarter advantage to take a 52-49 lead into the final frame … Bradford has now lost 3 of 4 including 2 of 3 on a trip to Florida before Christmas … Bradford will take on Jamestown (NY), who lost to Olean (NY), in the consolation game of the IAABO Tournament at 2:30 p.m. Saturday at St. Bonaventure.   

Editor note – Blaise O’Connor and Dave Fuhrman both contributed to this story

MAPLE GROVE 71, BRADFORD 69

Score by Quarters

Maple Grove 18 18 13 22 – 71

Bradford 20 12 20 17 – 69

Maple Grove – 71

Beaton 2-0-0-5, Chris Secky 7-1-1-17, Tom Secky 6-3-7-15, O'Niell 3-2-2-8, Caporale 2-1-3-6, Lindblad 2-3-4-8, Germain 4-1-1-12. Totals 26-11-18-71

3 Pt. FG:  Chris Secky 2, Germain 3, Lindblad 1, Caporale 1, Beaton 1

Bradford – 69

Taylor 0-2-2-2, LaBrozzi 11-5-6-29, Kelly 5-0-0-13, Teribery 0-0-0-0, Fuhrman 1-0-0-3, Lanich 3-7-8-13, Confer 4-1-2-9, Teribery 0 0-0 0. Totals 24-15-18-69

3 Pt. FG:  Kelly 3, LaBrozzi 2, Fuhrman 1