The Newton South boys basketball team pulled out an overtime win over Boston Latin Friday, with the Lions coming from nine points down in the second half for a 66-65 triumph.
South (8-8) needs two wins in its four remaining games to make the state tournament.
``We're playing four excellent teams, so if we play hard and shoot well, we can compete with those teams. And if not, they'll kill us,'' coach Joe Killilea said. ``We'll see if we can be consistent and hot at the same time.''
Despite horrid first-half shooting, including going 6-for-24 in the paint and team scoring leader D.J. Reid posting an 0-for-8 first-half effort, South trailed just 23-20 at the half.
Junior Lewis Balulu fueled the Lions' attack off the bench, notching a double-double of 10 points and 10 rebounds.
In the fourth quarter, Solomon Lamsana scored 11 of his 24 points, and once the game went to overtime, Reid found his shooting stroke, sinking two 3-pointers and going 4-for-4 from the line. He finished with 17 points.
A 3-point shot at the final buzzer got Latin within one.
South will start its quest for postseason play with a contest tomorrow at Westford. The Lions beat Westford 77-75 at home in their first matchup as South was chipping back from a 2-6 start to the season.
Girls Basketball
South 71, Boston Latin 44
The South girls basketball team handed Boston Latin a loss at home with the Lions' 71-44 win on Friday, led by Kendall Burton's 19 points and eight rebounds.
Jocie Collins added 13 points and four rebounds, and Chloe Rothman had 12 points and three assists.
South (15-2) hosts Dual County League-leading Westford tomorrow.
Boys Hockey
Dracut 6, South 1
South's loss at Dracut drops the Lions to 6-10-2 on the season, with their next game at Wayland on Wednesday.
The Lions were eliminated from state tournament contention with the defeat.
