Men's Basketball Advances to Region 21 Final Four

The fifth-seeded Buccaneers are headed to the Region 21 Final Four.

Behind a gritty, 40-minute effort from its starters, MassBay knocked off fourth-seeded Community College of Rhode Island 70-66 in the NJCAA Region 21 Semifinals, punching its ticket to tonight’s showdown with top-seeded Northern Essex Community College (7pm at NECC). The Bucs will face a Knights squad that enters the matchup 28-3 overall and ranked No. 2 in the nation.

MassBay relied on balance, toughness, and defense to earn the upset. Four starters scored in double figures, and the Bucs forced 18 steals while battling on the glass for a 40-29 rebounding edge.

Gustavo Coutinho led the way offensively with 19 points on 8-of-17 shooting, adding eight rebounds in 39 minutes of action. Ezekiel Wilson delivered an all-around performance in 40 minutes, finishing with 16 points, six rebounds, five assists, and five steals to help control the tempo.

Lanse Dorcelus recorded a double-double with 13 points and a team-high 11 rebounds, while Lansana Kaba added 12 points, six steals, and a pair of three-pointers in a disruptive defensive effort.

Though the Bucs shot just 34.8 percent from the field, they knocked down nine three-pointers and went 15-for-23 from the free throw line. MassBay’s defensive pressure and activity proved decisive, as the Bucs consistently generated turnovers and turned them into key scoring opportunities.

In a physical semifinal battle, MassBay showed poise down the stretch to secure the upset over the No. 4 seed and keep its postseason run alive.

REGION 21 MEN'S BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE AND RESULTS:

Quarterfinals - Thursday - 2/26

Game 1: #8 Bristol 67 at #1Northern Essex 94

Game 2: #7 Roxbury 80 at #2 Massasoit 70 (at NECC)

Game 3: #6 STCC 65 at #3 Quincy 85

Game 4: #5 MassBay 70 at #4 CCRI 66 (at NECC)

Semifinals - Friday 2/27

Game 5: #5 MassBay at #1 Northern Essex - 7pm (Livestream)

Game 6: #7 Roxbury at #3 Quincy - 8:30pm (Livestream)

Championship - Sunday 3/1

Game 7: Winner Game 5 vs Winner Game 6