Sports

SLIDESHOW: Framingham Flyers Upset #2-Seeded Holy Name 74-65

The Framingham High boys basketball team advances to the semifinals of the MIAA Division 1 Central Tournament game on Saturday in Worcester.

WORCESTER, MA - Framingham High's boys basketball team had not qualified for the post-season tournament in 8 years.

Last night, the Flyers, seeded #7 in the MIAA Division 1 Central Tournament, travelled to Worcester to battle #2 Holy Name, with a bus full of Framingham fans.

Led by senior captain Mike Bradley's 19 points and 10 assists, the Flyers upset Holy name 74-65.

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Now, the 11-10 Flyers will advance to the semifinal round of the MIAA tourney on Saturday. Framingham will battle #3-seeded Franklin, who are 16-5, at 5 p.m. in Worcester at WPI.

Last night, the Flyers were ahead at the end of the first quarter 20-16.

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There were several ties during the first half, but at intermission Framingham was ahead 38-30.

The Flyers opened the third quarter with a 10-15 run and never relinquished the lead.

Junior captain Jack DiConza had 17 points and hit four three-pointers, said head coach Ben Torbert.

"A big time win for our program to go on the road and beat a talented 15-5 Holy Name," said Torbert. "I'm extremely proud of the kids that they were able to validate a ton of hard work over the last several years and play that well on a big stage."

Torbert said "Everyone contributed to a true team win."

Junior Nate Martino had 12 points Thursday night, and was an "emotional leader" for the team, said Torbert.

"We were completely locked in from the moment we got on the bus and handled every big moment the right way throughout the game. We knew we were ready to play at this level and battle tested after the schedule we play against the Bay State league," said Torbert.

The Flyers finished the regular season 10-10.

"Now we have an opportunity to play an extremely tough Franklin team that has been one of the best teams in the state all year on Saturday at 5 p.m. at WPI in the sectional semi-finals," said Torbert.

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Framingham Patch asked Cummings Photography to cover the payoff game. Click on the thumbnails to view 40 photos.

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