Historically, dating back to at least the 2014-5 season, when Troy High was an independent following the demise of the Big 10 in Section 2, Bethlehem seemed to have the Flying Horses' number in basketball, both men's & women's.
For most of today's Class AA men's quarterfinal at Hudson Valley Community College, it certainly seemed as though history was not on Troy's side, coupled with a 5-7 slide in their last twelve games. As it was, the game was delayed by a few minutes because a Class D game that preceded it ran long. Section 2 never learns. The Eagles held Troy to just 4 points in the 1st quarter, three of them on a Kayne Behan trey.
The officials decided to let them play, allowing Bethlehem to utilize a more hyper-aggressive, playground style defense. However, by halftime, Troy was starting to catch on, and catch up.
Missing one of their top players due to injury, the Eagles maintained a slim lead going into the 4th quarter. That's when Behan went to work.
The senior hit three more 3 pointers, one from both wings, and one from the top of the key, and it brought the student section to life. Troy took its first lead about halfway through the 4th quarter, and a Behan trey put them up for good.
It got to the point where the Eagles suddenly decided to foul to lengthen the game. Jordan Hood made some key free throws down the stretch, as Bethlehem saw their season come to an abrupt end. Troy punches its ticket to Glens Falls for Wednesday's semi-finals, 48-38. Bethlehem finishes 13-8, while Troy goes to 14-7, and will play either Amsterdam or Burnt Hills.
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