Lithgow's Buzzer Beater propels MassBay to Region 21 Final Four

MassBay Sophomore guard Crisrael Lithgow knocked down a deep three as time expired to give the Bucs a 59-56 win over Bunker Hill (18-11) in the NJCAA Region 21 quarterfinals. A replay of the last shot can be seen HERE.

MassBay trailed by four with just under two minutes remaining, but ended the game on a 7-0 run, capped off by Lithgow's 25-footer at the buzzer. Lithgow, who led all scorers with 21 wasn't the only star of the game, as the Bucs received contributions from a host of players.

First-year forward Jack Randlett provided a much needed spark to the Bucs offense, knocking down three 3's while posting a career high 11 points. Guard Artem Segarra made two big free throws with :36 seconds remaining in the game to tie the score at 56. Finally, Guard Antonio Taylor returned to the line-up after a long absence due to injury, and provided a presence on both ends of the floor. Taylor, the Bucs leading scorer on the season took a huge charge with 8.5 seconds remaining to give MassBay posession in a tie game, which led to Lithgow's game-winning three.

The win propels MassBay, the 5th seed in Region 21 (15-10) to the semifinals where they will face #1 seed (and the #3 team in the country) Northern Essex (29-1)

The game can be seen live on Local Sports Productions HERE.

Region 21 Men's Basketball Tournament Schedule and Results:

First Round (at higher seed – Saturday 2/25)

Game 1: #8 CCRI 63 at #1 Northern Essex 98

Game 2: #7 Quinsigamond 81 at #2 Quincy 79

Game 3: #6 Massasoit 73 at #3 Roxbury 91

Game 4: #5 MassBay 59 at #4 Bunker Hill 56

Semi Finals (at Holyoke – Saturday 3/4 – higher seed wears white)

Game 5: #5 MassBay vs #1 Northern Essex (4pm)

Game 6: #7 Quinsigamond  vs #2 Roxbury (6pm)

Championship (at Holyoke – Sunday 3/5 – higher seed wears white)

Game 7: Winner Game 5 vs Winner Game 6 (3pm)