Hornets Win on Buzzer Beater

It wasn’t the prettiest performance of the year, but it sure had an exciting ending; in fact the ending lasted a long 30 feet.
 
The Branford boys basketball team played host to the North Haven Indians last Friday, and scoring for the most part was at a premium.

North Haven led 7 – 2 after the first quarter before Branford got some momentum scoring 13 in the second quarter to go up 15 – 12 at the half. At that time, the Branford Dance Team took to the floor. 

The teams played even in the third period each scoring 11 points. Branford had a 32 – 29 lead with 4.3 seconds left and North Haven with the ball.

The Indians’ Christopher Watson was fouled while driving for a two-point layup giving him a chance to tie the game. He made the free throw and Branford called a time out to set up a play.

Rich Jacobson took the inbound pass, dribbled twice and flipped a pass to junior Jake Sullivan just over half court.

Sullivan got to within 30 feet of the basket and let go a shot. The ball was in the air as the buzzer went off.

All eyes followed the flight and it was as they say, ​“nothing but net,” sending the Branford team and their fans onto the court to mob Sullivan.

“During the timeout I set up a play for ​‘Sully’ to take the shot,” said an ecstatic coach Jake Paluzzi after the game. ​“We were looking for him all the way on the play. I was hoping he could get closer and wouldn’t have to take it so far from the basket. What a crazy finish.”

Sullivan finished with 12 points for Branford.

Here Jacob Raffone gets ready to snag a missed foul shot.

Here Richard Jacobson comes down the lane and puts up two of his 9 points.Two were three-pointers.

Andre Albertini had five to go along with his four steals.

Watch Kory King coming through traffic

King had four and also had six rebounds the same as Andrew Roach.

With the win Branford’s record improved to 4 – 7. ​“This was a big win for us if we’re going to qualify for the state tournament at the end of the year,” said Palluzzi.

“We lost six games so far this season by four or fewer points. It was nice to finally win one,” the coach said. Here’s how he looked when Sullivan’s shot went in.
 
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