"There's no question we would have liked for our seniors to go out on top but Everett was definitely up to the challenge tonight." Said Malden Head Coach Don 'Gipper' Nally after the contest. "They did a great job in their man to man defense and made every possession a grind for us."

 

In the first contest, Malden shredded the Crimson Tide's vaunted full court press en route to a 59-51 road win but, on this night, the Tide chose to stick to a tight half court man to man defense and the adjustment paid off.  Everett's game plan also included smothering Malden star forward Anthony Gilardi with a double team every time he touched the ball. In the first contest, Gilardi exploded for 31 points and 14 rebounds but was held in check in this one with just 16 points and 8 rebounds.

 

"They did a great job on Anthony tonight, forcing him to pass the ball or take tough shots." Nally added. "Unfortunately for us, we just couldn't get anyone else going."

 

The loss keeps Malden from clinching a state tournament berth and drops their overall record to 9-8.