The Riverhead Blue Waves (12-2, 15-3) cruised to a 72-61 victory over the North Babylon Bulldogs (9-5, 11-6) Thursday night in their final home game of the season, avenging a heartbreaking loss earlier in the year.
Riverhead lost the turnover battle. They lost the rebounding battle.
But after it was all over Riverhead coach John Rossetti really didn’t care, saying: “We put up more points than them. That is the only stat that matters.”
The Riverhead Blue Waves (12-2, 15-3) cruised to a 72-61 victory over the North Babylon Bulldogs (9-5, 11-6) Thursday night in their final home game of the season, avenging a heartbreaking loss earlier in the year.
Because of North Babylon’s quickness, Rossetti experimented with a new defense playing a 3-2 zone forcing the Bulldogs to shoot from the outside.
“I think it really confused them,” said Rossetti. “We wanted to go to a defense that they haven’t seen before.”
North Babylon shot less than 30 percent from the field.
“We can play any defense and I know our guys will step up,” said Ryan Bitzer. Adding that the zone was introduced to them for the first time in Wednesday’s practice.
Bitzer scored 19 points, shooting 4-5 from the three-point line. He also had a team-high 6 assists.
“Their defense was tough,” said Bitzer. “They forced turnovers because of the constant pressure.”
“We just need to slow it down sometimes.”
Riverhead enjoyed a steep advantage in fast-break points which ultimately led to their win.
“We all can run,” said Bitzer. “We want to take advantage of our quickness and great vision.”
Markim Austin, the beneficiary on many of Bitzer’s assists, scored 21 points. It was the third game in a row where Austin scored 20+ points.
Brandon Tolliver added 17 points, 9 rebounds and 3 blocks.
With the playoff brackets unknown until Monday, Rossetti said that “We have to keep our legs loose and steer clear of the injury bug.”
And of the upcoming storm, Rossetti had no worries.
“Let it snow, a good snowstorm is always welcome in the middle of winter.”
RiverheadLOCAL photos by George Faella
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