Swampscott Drops Marblehead 50-39 in Boys Hoops

boys basketball ran the court and combined pressure defense with opportune scoring in their 50-39 win over Marblehead Tuesday night in Marblehead.

Big Blue took command of the game early and maintained their focus throughout.

The Magicians made a couple of bids to get back in the game before and after the second half.  But each time Marblehead tried to got within 6 points Swampscott answered.

Dan Santanello led Big Blue scorers with 16.

Both he and Val Temin made key three-point plays in the second quarter. On two of the plays they were fouled while scoring driving buckets and converted the free throws.

 Swampscott Head Coach Justin Fucile pointed to Santanello's offense and defensive play.

He also credited John King's pressuring the ball on defense.

Marblehead Coach Wayne Hanscom said Swampscott's aggressive play was the difference in the game.

In addition to playing defense and shooting the ball well, Big Blue's defense forced multiple Magician turnovers and capitalized on fast breaks.

Fucile said his team entered the game wanting to run - but the Magicians' staunch defense prevented them from getting into a rhythm.

Jeff Peras led the Magicians, scoring 10 points.

Both teams came out with a flurry of scoring in the first two minutes of the second half. But Swampscott answered the challenge each time the Magicians pulled to within six points.

Swampscott, 3-3 on the season, plays next Friday against Beverly.