Malden: After building up a huge first quarter lead of 18-5, the Malden High School Golden Tornadoes lost their way, the lead and finally, the game, 74-70 to Belmont High School.  The loss drops the Tornadoes to 8-6 and slows the momentum built up following last Friday night's thrilling win over Everett.

"We just couldn't maintain our momentum that we built up in that first quarter." Malden Head Coach Don Nally said following the disappointing loss. "I thought we got some of it back towards the end of the first half but the 3rd quarter really got away from us."

A late burst at the end of the first half pushed Malden's lead to 14 points at the break and a win seemed to be in the cards.  Junior Forward Anthony Gilardi had 20 of his game-high 26 points in the first half as the Tornadoes appeared on the brink of a blowout win.  In the second half, the Marauders refused to let Gilardi beat them, regularly double teaming him and forcing the ball out of his hands.  Malden would see its double digit lead slowly disappear and the momentum swing quickly to Belmont.  Belmont led by 3 points entering the 4th quarter and Malden was unable to ever retake the lead.

Malden did, however, tie the game with under a minute to play following a Bryan Mitchell-Rodriguez put back to knot the game at 70.  A Tornado defense laps, unfortunately, led to a quick Belmont layup to retake the lead.  Malden had two good looks at the basket with under 30 seconds left to tie it but each attempt fell short and the Tornadoes were forced to foul.  Belmont sank both free throws and sank the Tornadoes' chance at another last second comeback.

Malden returns to action Thursday night to take on Medford High School.  Game time will be 7pm.