Heartbreak doesn’t quite cover it.
The Burnaby South Rebels put in one of their better performances last Friday but came up on the wrong side of a 73-71 score to the St. George’s Saints in the third-fourth place game at the Quad-A Lower Mainland senior boys championships.
Only the top-three teams advanced to the provincials, putting an end to an otherwise strong season for the Rebels.
It was a game where both teams took turns with the lead, but Burnaby South was in a good position entering the final minute.
They took a two-point lead with very little time left when St. George’s was put on the foul line for four shots, nailing all of them.
The circumstances of those final shots were still being digested by assistant coach David Smith, preferring not to elaborate on the officials' calls.
"I don't know what to say, and I'd rather not say it," said Smith. "We were up by two, we had the ball and they ended up getting to the foul line. That's where they won it."
His team delivered a terrific performance and had no reason to hang their heads, although having the season end on such a sour note naturally left everyone feeling devastated, he noted.
"We feel we had it. The ending wasn't fair for our kids, that's how I feel.
"It's hard -- the kids are hurting, we're hurting, but I'm incredibly proud of them. They did everything they needed to do (to win)," added Smith.
A day earlier, the Rebels kept their provincial hopes alive with a thrilling 65-63 win over Killarney.
Saheed Habib and Kenan Krupic both tallied 14 points. Chipping in 11 points was Hadie Honordoust, while C.J. Campbell and Grade 10 Jusef Sehic registed 10 points each.
Campbell was named to the second all-star team.
