The Brien McMahon Senators came into the Zeoli Fieldhouse Tuesday night looking to knock off the undefeated Wilton High boys basketball team. But the visitors' efforts came up short as the Warriors prevailed, 78-69.
Better all-around play in the second half and an up-tempo pace that ran McMahon all over the floor brought home the victory for Wilton, which is now 5-0 on the season.
The Senators had the Warriors on the ropes in the first half and forced the hosts to put pressure on themselves — something that had not happened in Wilton's first four games. Take nothing away from McMahon's performance, but the Warriors did not hit the floor with their best effort in the opening half.
Wilton did get out to an early nine-point lead in the first quarter, scoring off several McMahon turnovers, and was ahead 19-13 after the first quarter.
McMahon took its first lead at 27-26 with 3:53 left to play in the second quarter. The Senators then forged a six-point lead, 35-29, late in the period and were in front, 37-34, at halftime.
“They challenged us and we weren’t ready for it," said Wilton's Scott Shouvlin. “We came into the game too confident and didn’t get off to a good start. We settled down and refocused in the second half."
With the score tied at 48-48 and 3:04 to play in the third quarter, the Warriors went on a 10-0 run to close the period with a 58-48 lead. Shouvlin got things rolling for the Warriors, as he was fouled attempting a three-point shot. He stepped to the line and hit all three free throws and then drained a three-pointer the next time down the floor to give Wilton a six-point lead.
McMahon was still within six points at 65-59 midway through the final quarter, but the Warriors held strong at the end for the win.
All of Wilton’s starting five players scored in double figures. Matt Shifrin led the way with 18 points, while Shouvlin had 16 points and Richie Williams added 14 points. Michael Bingaman contributed 12 points, and Lucas Savoie finished with 10 points.
Timmy Hinton led the Senators with 18 points.