The boys varsity basketball team might have missed their opportunity for their first league title, but they found a way to rewrite the record books after defeating Bloomfield Hills Andover.
Oxford’s 78-72 victory during senior night brought the team up to 14 wins for the season.
According to varsity coach Paul Marfia, the record for most wins in boys basketball was set at 17 in 1949.
Marfia’s five seniors – Mark Hazelwood, Mike Kitchner, Jacques Toussiant, Ben Magdelano and Zack Raisch – started the game.
Oxford led at halftime 49-33. However, Andover made a game of it in second half, outscoring the Wildcats 39-29.
‘We got a little stagnant at times, but I was happy we were able to finish it out like we needed to,? Marfia said.
Hazelwood had 20 points while Magdelano’s 12 points came off of four threes. Juniors Nate Brubaker (14 points, 12 rebounds) and James Patrick (15 points, nine rebounds) came off the bench to provide a spark for Oxford’s offense.
‘That is great to see by those guys,? Marfia said. ‘They are peaking at the right time of year.?
Marfia said Brubaker and Patrick set career highs in the game.
Royal Oak spoiled the Wildcats chances at a Oakland Activities Association Gold division title when they defeated Oxford 55-54 on Tuesday, Feb. 28.
Entering the fourth quarter, the Wildcats trailed 43-35. Oxford gave it everything they had, but when the final buzzer sounded, they only outscored Royal Oak by seven, 19-12.
Marfia said both teams fought hard in a game that went back-and-forth.
‘We found ourselves down at the end of the third quarter…and like all year long, they just battled and played with a lot of heart,? Marfia said.
Marfia said the toughest thing about losing was the fact his team missed 12 free-throws in the game.
‘We didn’t deserve to be conference champions because we didn’t make the plays that we need to if you are going to be a champion,? he said. ‘We played a team that wasn’t going to give it to us.?
Hazelwood led Oxford with 16 points, while Toussiant had 14 points. Kitchner followed with eight points.
The Wildcats finished the OAA with a 7-3 record, 14-6 overall. They will play the winner of Lake Orion/Stoney Creek opening round district game on Wednesday night at 5 p.m. at Rochester Adams High School.