TERRYVILLE — The Terryville Kangaroos boys basketball team got off to a strong start in the Division V state tournament as the Kangaroos defeated the Bullard Heavens Tech Tigers in the first round.
The 16th-place Kangaroos defeated 17th-place Bullard Heavens Tech 63-43 thanks to a team effort, forcing a second-half comeback. Both teams entered the game with 9-11 records in the regular season, but Terryville was able to get the best out of Bullard Haven Tech.
Terryville coach Mark Fowler said his team was able to find a rhythm in the second half, which led to the victory. He said they showed fight throughout the game, which was a common theme throughout the season.
“We were able to find our rhythm and finally make some shots,” Fowler said. “Even when we were behind, we never let up, which led to a comeback in the third quarter. .It was a true team effort tonight.''
Terryville's Christian DiSapio scored a career-high 19 points and the No. 16 Terryville Kangaroos overcame a five-point halftime deficit to defeat Bullard Heavens Tech. The Kangaroos showed more energy and fight in the second half, allowing the team to dominate in the third quarter.
The Kangaroos outscored the Tigers 29-11 in the third period, leading by 13 points going into the fourth quarter and trailing 17-10 in the final quarter. Other than the second quarter, where Terryville struggled to shoot the ball and lost 13-6 to the Tigers, the Kangaroos largely controlled the pace of the game.
Bullard Havens Technical College had three players score in double figures, followed by Luis McClain with 16 points, Amauri Lopez with 11 points and Leon Richardson with 10 points. Darius Holmes, Jeremiah Duvers and Tyshaun Briggs each scored two points.
Terryville had two players score in double figures, but several players found success on the offensive end. DiSapio led the team with 19 points, and Charlie Rogers also scored in double figures with 13 points.
Jordan Wheeler had seven points, Deon Dao and Aiden Legacy added five points, Branden Driscoll had eight total points, Joe Busalacci had four points and Justin Wheeler had two points.
Rodgers, Jordan Wheeler, Dao and Legacy each had success from behind the arc, and the team made five 3-pointers on the night.
Terryville advances to play No. 1 Nonnewaug on Thursday at 6:30 p.m., which received a first-round bye after posting a 17-3 regular season record.
