Bob Nuse

By: centraljersey.com
The Hopewell Valley High boys basketball team fought on more than one occasion Tuesday night in its Central Jersey Group III tournament opener against Princeton.
Unfortunately, the Bulldogs did not have one more comeback left in them and fell just short, dropping a 51-47 decision to the Little Tigers.
Princeton jumped out to an 11-5 lead in the first quarter, only to see the Bulldogs battle back within 14-12 thanks to some big buckets from James Harrity. Princeton opened up a 22-14 lead, but Hopewell got back to within 26-23 by halftime thanks to some strong three-point shooting.
Max Alton closed the first half with a three-pointer and started the second half the same way to get the Bulldogs even. Princeton led, 33-30, when Hopewell went on a 9-0 run to open a 39-33 lead. Alton and Harrity combined for all 14 Hopewell points in the third quarter.
Princeton battled back and took a 41-40 lead with just under five minutes left in the game. The teams traded baskets and Alton tied the game at 45-45 with a ‘3’ with 2:35 left. Princeton scored, but the Bulldogs answered with a basket by Tyler Bell to get even at 47-47.
But Princeton got a basket from Ben Harrison before closing the game out with a pair of free throws.
"It was a tough game just like we expected it to be," Princeton coach Jason Carter said. "Alton is a terrific player. (Harrity) had a real good game for them. And they did a great defensive job on Eamon (Cuddy), who was held to a season-low eight points). We had an overtime game with them earlier and we knew this one would be right down to the end."
Harrity led the Bulldogs with 17 points, while Alton added 14. Hopewell finished the season 13-14.