Martlets Fall to AOF in OT

In the close confines of Pettee Gymnasium, the Martlets welcomed the Winged Beaver of Avon. The Martlets zone defense led by Finn Williams ‘26 and Aidan Walsh ‘24 helped anchor a mentality that the team was competing from the opening ball and flying to the ball. Ethan Villacis ‘27 came off the bench, helping compose the Black and Gold against the pressure of Avon while adding eight of his fourteen points on the day. Jin Lee ‘24 channeled his inner Klay Thompson, hitting seven three-pointers for the Martlets for a total of his twenty-five points. Finn Cathey ‘26 contributed with excellent communication and closeouts on the perimeter, and Liam Murray ‘26 helped secure important rebounds off the glass. Black and Gold took a 26-21 lead into halftime but a rivalry game always lasts until the final whistle. Avon Old Farms made some calculated defensive adjustments, slowing down our momentum and creating some turnovers. Hugh Olson ‘25 who was coming off a strong six o’clock practice the evening prior made a key basket down the stretch. While Martlets held a lead in the final minute of the game, an over the back foul on the offensive glass allowed Avon to extend the game into overtime. Once in overtime, the Martlets could not find open shots against the perimeter pressure from the Winged Beaver defense. While disappointed to lose a rivalry game, Black and gold competed, played with grit, and exhibited grace in eating with Avon postgame. The Martlets head to the Excelsior state to take on Millbrook and find a silver lining on Wednesday.