The O’Bryant boys’ basketball team shocked fans at the Dennis Wilson court at Madison Park on Wednesday, upsetting Brighton, 80-74, in the first semifinal of the Boston City League Championship.
Freshman Rivaldo Soares and senior Alan Mack led the way for the Tigers with 20 points apiece and were key components in keeping the game close until the fourth quarter.
O’Bryant fell behind, 9-0, to open the game, struggling to muster any offense against the tough Bengals defense. But once Tigers coach Drew Brock switched up the offensive game plan, things began to click.
“We are usually a penetrate-and-kick team,’’ Brock said. “But today I told them to attack the basket.’’
Trailing, 32-31, at the half, O’Bryant — led by Soares — began to step up its play. The Tigers were in a similar position in the teams’ regular-season meeting (the score was tied at halftime), but O’Bryant ended up losing by 20.
This time, however, it was the Tigers who surged early in the fourth quarter. O’Bryant turned a 2-point lead heading into the fourth quarter into a 10-point bulge, opening with an 8-0 run.
Brighton (13-8), however, kept it close as O’Bryant (14-6) struggled from the line before holding on to win.
“We were huge underdogs but I know we can play with anyone,’’ Brock said. “I am just so proud of my guys. Really proud.’’
In Wednesday’s other semifinal, New Mission defeated Charlestown, 49-44, to advance to Thursday’s 7 p.m. title game against O’Bryant at Madison Park.
The Titans opened the game on a 17-2 run, but the Townies did not go down without a fight.
Charlestown stormed back to trail by just 4 points at halftime, heading into the break with momentum as senior Keywan Platt ended the quarter with a dunk.
New Mission coach Cory McCarthy then turned to Tyrique Lee, his team’s senior leader.
“I can’t keep [Lee] out the game,’’ McCarthy said. “Not only did he have the ball 80 percent of the time, he defended their best player, who is 6 inches taller than him.’’
Charlestown (13-7) kept on New Mission’s heels the rest of the way before the Titans (15-3) held on for the victory.
“I feel like [Charlestown’s] plan really worked,’’ McCarthy said. “We had just enough toughness to pull this game out.’’
