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The No. 2 ranked and undefeated WACO Warrior boys basketball team saw their season come to an abrupt end on Tuesday at the hands of the New London Tigers. New London avenged to losses to the Warriors during the regular season to beat WACO 60-52 in the district semifinal round. The Tigers got out early, scoring the games first 10 points and led 14-9 after one quarter. Down 26-17, WACO responded with nine straight to tie the game at 26, took their first lead at 30-28 and the contest was ultimately tied at 30 going to the half.

In the second half the Warrior defense dug in and pushed the Tigers into a five and a half minute drought to start the third period while they beat a 40-32 lead. Things stayed tight through the next seven minutes of action with WACO leading 40-35 going to the fourth. In the final frame, New London freshman Blaise Porter turned up the heat, scoring 19 in the frame, despite his hot shooting the Warriors still held a one point lead with two and a half minutes left. Down the stretch, New London turned up the defense, went 12 of 12 at the line and rode Porter’s hot hand to victory. After the game WACO coach Paul Kissell talked about this year’s team and seniors.

Kissell

Porter led the way with a game high 27 points for New London. Pietro Vannini had 21 for WACO. With the loss, the Warriors end their season at 22-1 and are the only WACO boys basketball team to compile an undefeated regular season. New London is now 16-7 and will face Pekin who was a big upset winner over No. 8 Burlington Notre Dame 65-32.