BETHEL, Conn. — Masuk High’s boys basketball team went on the road and upset a tough Bethel lineup that had won nine of its first 10 games, 58-55, on Friday night. The Panthers improved to 4-8 overall and handed the Wildcats their first loss in South-West Conference play this season.
Senior Forward Saijon Gavin carried the Panthers. He had 22 points, eight rebounds, five assists and five steals. He shot 7-for-10 from the field and 8-of-11 from the free throw line.
“Senior Captain Saijon Gavin had the best game of his high school career,” Masuk Coach Pete Szklarz said. “He did everything and put the team on his back on the way to a huge victory. He was unstoppable in the post, great from the free throw line and fired the team up with a big steal and dunk at the end of the game.”
Matt Boyle scored 15 points, had five rebounds, two assists and pair of steals. Boyle also hit big free throws late as the Panthers fended off Bethel despite the Wildcats hitting four late 3-pointers to claw into the deficit.
Owen Mok scored nine points. Nate O’Hara had four points and two assists. Jaylen Africot had three points and seven rebounds, connected on two late, clutch free throws. Danny Londono scored two points and solid minutes off bench. Will Scholz had three points, three rebounds and two steals.
“Great win on the road vs. a very good Bethel team. Fantastic team defensive effort,” Szklarz said.
Masuk was coming off a hard-fought 56-54 loss to Bassick of Bridgeport on Monday and a 50-32 defeat to Stratford on Tuesday, both on home court.
The Panthers are back home Tuesday, Jan. 27, to take on Notre Dame Prep at 7 p.m.
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