North 1, Group 1
Emerson 66, Midland Park 56
EMERSON – Colleen Malzahn has seen this mental toughness from her players all season.
The Emerson girls basketball coach has watched the Cavos routinely overcome deficits or drain clutch free throws late in the game. It’s a characteristic that has come to define this team, and it’s one that’s especially crucial in the state tournament when the season is always on the line.
“We just seem to find a way to win,” Malzahn said.
Emerson proved that again on Thursday, as the fourth-seeded Cavos earned a 66-56 comeback victory over No. 5 Midland Park in the North 1, Group 1 quarterfinals.
Emerson, which won the NJIC Patriot division, defeated the division-rival Panthers twice during the regular season. The Cavos won by two points in their first meeting and by three points in their second matchup.
No. 6 Saddle Brook 37, No. 3 Verona 28
VERONA- Brianna Brooks scored a game-high 14 points and grabbed 15 rebounds as the Falcons overcame a nine-point third-quarter deficit.
Saddle Brook closed the game on a 22-4 run and held Verona scoreless in the fourth quarter.
Tara Taylor had 11 points and five rebounds, while Jamie Latona had five points, six assists and two steals.
No. 1 Cresskill 41, No. 8 Hasbrouck Heights 22
CRESSKILL – Erin McQuillen scored a game-high 15 points, while Sydnie Martin, Emily Wells and Julia Maltby each had six to lift the Cougars.
North 2, Group 1
No. 1 Secaucus 56, No. 8 Arts 47
SECAUCUS- Amanda Ulrich scored 21 points, while Lindsey Mack had 15 and Damaris Rodriguez added 14 for the Patriots.
