UPDATE: In a thrilling overtime finish, senior Chris Albano hit a game-winning jumper, leading Susan Wagner to an 81-79 victory over Abraham Lincoln in Brooklyn last night. This dramatic win marks Wagner’s third consecutive victory, improving their record to 9-2 overall and 4-2 in league play.
The game, which took place on October 26, 2023, showcased Albano’s stellar performance, scoring a career-high 34 points, including three three-pointers and an impressive 7-for-8 from the free-throw line. His clutch play came after Darin Humes-James (14 points), Charles Gambino (11 points), and Adem Djonbalic (11 points) contributed significantly to the Falcons’ offense.
Head coach Danny Lanigan praised his team’s resilience, stating, “A classic game in a classic gym. Lincoln has been a thorn in our side since we joined the division.” The victory marks Wagner’s second win over Lincoln in just two weeks, a notable feat considering they were previously 0-4 against them this season.
The Falcons entered the fourth quarter with a narrow 70-68 lead, but Lincoln’s Marquise Lloyd forced overtime with a last-second shot. In a back-and-forth overtime period, Albano and Gambino scored crucial points, with the Falcons leading 79-77 near the end. Lloyd’s free throws tied the game, setting the stage for Albano’s heroics as he nailed the decisive shot with just seconds remaining.
Lanigan reflected on the intensity of the game, noting, “We just kept battling.” He emphasized the challenging atmosphere at Lincoln’s gym, calling it “the hardest place to play in our division.” With Lincoln’s standout player, Ja-Keem Gibson, sidelined for the first matchup, the stakes were high for this rematch.
The Railsplitters, who put up a strong fight with Jace Parris scoring 23 points, saw their efforts fall short. The final seconds ticked away without a chance for Lincoln to respond, securing a memorable victory for Wagner.
As the season progresses, all eyes will be on Susan Wagner as they look to build on this momentum. Their next challenge will be crucial as they aim to solidify their standings in the competitive PSAL 4A division.
In other local matchups, Tottenville defeated Eagle Academy SI 64-61, maintaining their undefeated league record at 6-0. Meanwhile, St. Raymond’s overcame St. Peter’s 66-48, and New Dorp cruised past Port Richmond 63-33.
This week’s games showcased not only skill but also the determination and spirit of high school basketball in New York City. Stay tuned for more updates as teams continue to battle for supremacy in their divisions.
