UPDATE: In a thrilling finish, senior Chris Albano hit a last-second jumper to lead Susan Wagner to an 81-79 overtime victory against Abraham Lincoln in Brooklyn on Thursday. With just seconds remaining in overtime, Albano’s clutch shot capped off a career-high performance of 34 points, solidifying his status as a game-changer in this intense PSAL 4A matchup.
Albano’s game-winning shot occurred with only 19 seconds left on the clock, sending shockwaves through the packed gym. “Just an absolute tour de force performance from start-to-finish,” praised head coach Danny Lanigan, highlighting Albano’s stamina as he played all 36 minutes of the game.
Wagner’s victory marks their third consecutive win, improving their record to 9-2 overall and 4-2 in league play. The Falcons defeated Lincoln for the second time in two weeks, a feat that Lanigan described as a significant achievement against a historically challenging opponent. “Lincoln has been a thorn in our side since we joined the division,” he stated. “Winning in their gym is a much taller task.”
Albano’s offensive prowess was complemented by teammates Darin Humes-James with 14 points, Charles Gambino with 11 points, and Adem Djonbalic also scoring 11 points with three three-pointers. The game was a back-and-forth struggle, with Lincoln’s Jace Parris leading his team with 23 points.
The fourth quarter was particularly tense, as Wagner held a narrow 70-68 lead until Lincoln’s Marquise Lloyd tied the game with a crucial basket, forcing overtime. “We controlled a lot of the fourth,” Lanigan reflected. “But they made the right cuts and passes to push it to OT.”
During overtime, both teams exchanged leads. The Falcons gained a slim 79-77 advantage, but Lloyd’s two free throws set the stage for Albano’s dramatic finish. As the clock wound down, Albano maneuvered through Lincoln’s defense, executing a flawless step-back jumper that sealed the game just as time expired.
Wagner’s victory is not only a significant boost in morale but also a testament to their resilience and determination. Lanigan emphasized the team’s growth, stating, “One of the tenets of our school is resiliency, and that’s how we won the game tonight. We just kept battling.”
This nail-biting victory is sure to ripple through the PSAL ranks, as Susan Wagner continues to prove themselves as formidable contenders this season. Fans and players alike are buzzing with excitement, and all eyes will be on the Falcons as they prepare for their next challenge.
For more updates on high school basketball and other urgent news, stay tuned as we bring you the latest developments.
