Buzzer Beater by Thiel gives South a big Win

Garret Thiel's saved Middletown South with a game winning three at the buzzer to give them a 46-45 win over Toms River North.

In the first quarter, South looked to have total control. They allowed only one field goal, a layup to end the quarter, and a free throw to hold a 10-3 lead at the end of the first. But Toms River went on a 9-2 run to tie the game at 12.

South held a small 3 point advantage going into half, but a poor showing in the third gave Toms River a 28-27 lead going into the final period.

With 3 minutes left in the game, TR North seemed to have the game in hand with a 6 point lead. But, in a 30 second span late in the fourth, Kyle Cancilleri stole the inbounds, scored on a layup, and then TR North threw the inbounds away.

The ball ended up in the hands of one of the Toms River coaches who then spiked the ball, drawing a technical. Thiel made both free throws to cut Toms River's lead to 2.

The teams traded baskets and free throws until 17 seconds were left in the game and TR North had just hit a free throw to extend the lead back to 2.

Garret Thiel brought it up, and passed it off to Pete Clabby, who worked the ball to Brian Dudzinski. Thiel then got the ball back and came off of a screen for a good look from behind the arc and easily made it.

The South bench and student section all piled onto the floor and mobbed Thiel. But, Toms River North called a timeout quickly after the basket, and officials put 0.4 seconds back on the clock. The ensuing inbounds was tipped by Dudzinski off the backboard and the ball fell harmlessly to the ground for an Eagle victory.

Thiel was the leading scorer for South, netting 15 points. Kyle Cancilleri scored 12 and brought down 5 rebounds. The only senior honored at Senior Night, Brian Dudzinski scored 11 points and had 6 boards.

Arin West had a team-high 13 for TR North, while teammates Charles Kelly and Pete Szulics chipped in 10 and 9 points, respectively.

The win secures a home playoff game for the Eagles as there record improves to 12-10. Toms River North's record drops to 9-11 on the year.