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The Notre Dame-Fairfield boys basketball team's shot at its first trip to the state championship since 1980 was denied Tuesday evening by Trinity Catholic and bad luck. The third-seeded Lancers trailed by one with just more than a minute to play in overtime. On an inbounds pass, Tre McPherson stumbled and stepped out of bounds, giving the ball right back to Trinity.
The Crusaders added to their lead for good. Danny Upchurch heaved up one last desperation three-point attempt to send the game to double-overtime, but Trinity got a hand on it and the shot sailed harmlessly to the right. The 18th-ranked Trinity eliminated Notre Dame-Fairfield from the Class M state playoffs, 62-59.
"We had the chances, but we missed big free throws, which turned out to be the difference," Lancers head coach Vin Laczkoski said. "We didn't lose for lack of effort, that's for sure. It was a heck of a game. I wish I could have enjoyed it."
Notre Dame had a chance to win in regulation, leading by three with 14 seconds remaining. Trinity's Jonathan Boykin drove the lane, taking several Lancer defenders with him. That left the red-hot Schadrac Casimir wide open beyond the arc. Boykin dished the ball back out to Casimir, who calmly drained the game-tying three with six seconds left in regulation.
The Lancers controlled the game throughout the first half, holding a 35-26 lead at the break. Trinity's defense buckled down, though, and the Crusaders opened the second half on a 14-2 run. Notre Dame went three-for-six from the free throw line in the fourth quarter, which turned out to be the difference.
Upchurch led the Crusaders with 25 points, including 15 from beyond the arc. Earl Coleman added 12 points, while Arkel Miles contributed 10. The Lancers' bench was shut out for the game, also contributing to the loss.
Laczkoski is hopeful his team can return next season with the core of his team only sophomores and juniors. "We're excited to have nine guys back," Laczkoski said. "Can we get back here? I'm praying."
What do you think of Notre Dame-Fairfield's run in the playoffs this season? Do you think the Lancers will get to the finals next season? Start the discussion below!
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