PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Pittsfield boys basketball team keeps its playoff hopes alive with a 63-24 win over Mount Anthony on Wednesday night.
Elton Wilkins lead the way for the Generals with 16 points, while Amin Purry chipped in with 13.
Edwin Rodriguez and Dante Cruz added six each.
It was a big night for Generals (8-10) as they celebrated their seniors in possibly the last game at home. Both teams started off a little sluggish, finding it hard to score, but Pittsfield changed that about midway through the first quarter. It exploded on 12-0 run to help kickstart the game.
The Generals held Mount Anthony scoreless until under three minutes left in the quarter. Pittsfield continued this pressure throughout the game, making it hard for Mount Anthony to get anything going offensively. The Generals took a 28-11 lead into the break.
Coming off back-to-back overtime loses, this was the type of start Pittsfield needed. Coach Brandon Mauer talked about the importance of getting off to a good start.
“I was happy with the way they came out today,” he said. “They started to play our brand of basketball. The last couple of games we just couldn’t finish the games, but today was great.”
Pittsfield really put it together in the second half, growing the lead more and more each possession. It was able to give some guys rest and see some unfamiliar faces enjoy game time. This was a must win game for the Generals with playoff hopes on the line. They came in needing to win all three of their remaining games, and getting Tuesday’s win was the first step.
“Our playoffs have started already. They started today,” Mauer said. “Every game after this means everything to us, we all want the playoffs more than anything.”
Things won’t get any easier from here as they play two tough Berkshire County opponents in Hoosac and Wahconah, who are looking to clinch and improve their playoff spots.
First up will be tourney-bound Wahconah on the road Friday night as the Generals try to avenge a four-point January loss.
