Newtown High School’s boys’ basketball team saw the host Bunnell Bulldogs of Stratford overcome a double-digit deficit in the fourth quarter for a 78-75 regular-season finale victory on February 19.

The good news for the Nighthawks is that they won three quarters and will get a second chance at taking care of business — with a lot more on the line.

Bunnell’s win locked up the second seed, pushed NHS to the seventh seed, and created rematch for the foes, back at Bunnell, when the South-West Conference tournament quarterfinals are held, Friday, February 22, beginning at 7 pm.

Against the Bulldogs, Tucker Garrity scored 19 points and had five assists, Robert DiSibio had 18, and Todd Petersen 16 to lead the offense. Jack Petersen and Jack Mulligan dropped in 11 and nine, respectively. Todd Petersen and DiSibio both pulled down six rebounds.

This has been a great season, on the whole, for the Nighthawks.

“Record-wise, 14-6 (8-5 in the SWC), the most successful regular season squad in a little over a decade. Such a fun team to watch as we’ve played at a faster pace this season,” Newtown Coach Tim Tallcouch said.

Four of Newtown’s defeats have been by three points or less, including an overtime setback to Stratford. In a defeat to Immaculate of Danbury, Newtown led heading to the fourth quarter. In the other loss — to Crosby of Waterbury on February 16 — NHS had an early lead and trailed by just two points after three before Crosby pulled away.

“We’ve left too many close ones in the L column during this second half of the season, but I’m very proud to say there isn’t a game that we go into that we feel we can’t win. I fully expect us to go back to Bunnell on Friday, have the same mentality, and go out and play a physical post season game, clean up about five fourth quarter possessions, and play inspired basketball,” Tallcouch said.

The Nighthawks defeated visiting Weston 74-48 on February 14. Garrity had 17 points; DiSibio had 16; Riley Ward, Todd Petersen, and Mulligan all scored nine; Jack Petersen had eight; and Chris Shaker and Jack Kuligowski each chipped in with three points.

“I’m very pleased with tonight. It’s a game we needed,” Tallcouch said.

Crosby defeated Newtown 90-73. The Nighthawks led 23-19 after one quarter of play. The teams were tied at 38 apiece at halftime, and Crosby led just 58-56 heading to the fourth. DiSibio poured in 31 points, Ward had 15, Jack Petersen 14, and Garrity ten.

“It’s always a great way to end the season with two very formidable opponents so going into SWCs and states we’re being challenged,” Tallcouch said of the matchups with nonconference foe Crosby and Bunnell.

Newtown will look to get back to its winning ways in the playoffs. The opportunity to win is there for success if the Nighthawks stay true to some important characteristics, Tallcouch believes.

“For us, it’s to stay focused, stay together, and get a stop on the defensive end if the offense isn’t coming,” the coach said.

“It’s exciting. As a senior, you don’t want to take them for granted. These are your last high school games,” DiSibio added. “You really have to leave it all out there.”