LYNN — Simply put, if there’s a basketball game being played at Lynn Tech High School, Tigers fans usually find a way to get there.

Riding an electric atmosphere from tip-off to the final buzzer, Tech’s boys basketball team (11-2) rose to the occasion and avenged an early-season loss (70-65 in December) to Shawsheen Tech, 61-44. 

Three things stuck out in this one: free throw shooting, defense, and elite guard play. 

Tech led by double digits (43-33) at the end of the third quarter thanks to a pair of Giovanni Jean (22 points, 5 assists, 5 rebounds) free throws. 

And in the fourth, the Tigers held the opposition to just two points across a six-minute span to put a lid on Shawsheen.

“We played our basketball – in your face, pressing, and causing havoc,” said Tech coach Corey Bingham. “Pressing gives you more possessions. Sometimes, it won’t go your way. A team may pass around it, but in the moment, they may throw it away and you get an extra possession.” 

Actually, a three from Jean with 1:36 remaining put a lid on Shawsheen.

“Gio can score, but he’s very unselfish. He’ll pass the ball, but he does all of the little things,” Bingham said. “He plays defense, he rebounds, and he’s just a great player. It’s a blessing to have him in a Lynn Tech uniform because the sky’s the limit. He’s only just a sophomore.”

Brandon Antwine was Tech’s heartbeat on defense. He registered four steals and scored 10 points.

“Brandon Antwine played lights out tonight defensively and offensively. He’s been rolling the last three games. He’s our glue guy,” Bingham said. “He gives us great defense and on offense, he’ll shoot, but he’s everywhere we need him to be. Knowing him since he was a little kid, I’m just so proud of him and seeing him blossom into a great basketball player.” 

The Tigers attempted 32 free throws and knocked down 23 of them – something Bingham believes is crucial heading into state tournament time. 

“Free throws are a big thing,” he said. “For them to get to the line and knock them down, I’m just so proud of the guys because they left it all out on the court tonight.” 

Lynn Tech led, 32-22, at halftime with both teams finding ways to score. 

But in the second half, whenever the Rams tried to make a run, the Tigers responded with fundamental layups and free throws.

Ederick Gonzalez of the Tigers went home with a double-double (10 points, 10 rebounds, 3 assists).

When asked about the atmosphere, Bingham’s eyes lit up before praising the support his team has been getting lately.

“Believe it or not, we grinded so hard to get this atmosphere to what it is now,” Bingham said. “I used to tell the guys all the time, ‘Put a show on for the fans, and they’ll come back.’ I feel like that’s what we’ve been doing.” 

He had more to say.

“The atmosphere is electric and the kids feed off that,” Bingham said. “Whether it’s high school, college, or the NBA, players feed off the crowd. The crowd gave us momentum tonight.” 

Lynn Tech’s next game is Tuesday when it hosts KIPP at 5:30 p.m.