By Cody Marshall- Executive Sports Reporter

GALWAY-The 2011-12 basketball season is in full swing now, but many schools are just starting their league schedules after Thanksgiving tournaments and other non-league games. The Golden Eagles of Galway were back on the floor for the first time since their Blue and Gold Game against the Northville Falcons. Both teams were looking for their first win as Galway entered with a record of 0-2 and Northville with a record of 0-1.

The Falcons wasted no time getting out to an early 9-0 lead in the first quarter. From there, Northville took advantage of sluggish defense and turnovers to take an 18-8 lead after the first quarter. However, Galway responded in the second quarter to put themselves within 5 at the half. The Golden Eagles outscored the Falcons 10-5 to make it 23-18 at halftime. Coach Youngblood emphasized that the third quarter would be the most important part of the game. Over the last few years, Galway has struggled in close games in the third quarter, often allowing opponents to put the nail in the coffin early before the final frame. However, the Golden Eagles came out of the locker room with a high level of intensity.  Nick Manna started the scoring in the second half by making one of two from the foul line to put the Golden Eagles within four. Then, Galway broke down the Northville press and Cody Marshall scored eight straight points for the Golden Eagles. At the end of three, Galway was still hanging around, trailing 31-27.

The Falcons, however, were not to be denied. Two three-pointers in the final eight minutes of play managed to be enough as the Falcons pulled off the 37-31 victory on the road. The loss drops the Golden Eagles to 0-3 on the season, while the Falcons improve to 1-1 heading into a Wednesday night matchup with the Canajoharie Cougars. Galway is back on the hardwood Wednesday when the Golden Eagles travel to Broadway to take on the Saratoga Catholic Saints.

Jamie Freebern led the Golden Eagles with 12 points and 9 rebounds. Cody Marshall chipped in 10 for the home team, and sophomore Zach Hartman led the bench scoring with 5 points. Northville was led by Tyler Henderson’s 14 points, while Jim Grega added an extra 11 for the visitors.