The number 17 seed Middletown North Lions made a bid to upset the number 1 seed Lakewood Piners on their home floor on Thursday. A strong Middletown North start had Lakewood on their heels throughout the first half. North entered the game the highest remaining seed but led at the end of the half 19-15 but had little success in the paint.
North had more of the same success in the third quarter stretching their biggest lead, up eight 31-23. Although Lakewood roared back taking the lead in just two minutes with a full court press causing multiple Lion turnovers. Middletown appeared poised to break it open before a nightmare stretch.
Lakewood would go on to win the game 60-44 leaving the Lions in a daze after letting multiple opportunities slip away. North was eliminated from the Shore conference tournament leaving only their state tournament game against Neptune on Tuesday February 26 left.