BINGHAMTON – Norwich gave up a precious home game against always-tough Seton Catholic Central for the opportunity to play the Saints in the prestigious Stop-DWI Tournament at the Broome County Veterans Memorial Arena.

The decision to go on the road is now looking like genius as the Purple Tornado handed Seton its first loss this season, and advanced to the DWI finals for the sixth time in seven tournament appearances winning 63-53 Monday night.

Norwich led for all but 25 seconds of the game, and had the game seemingly at hand after building a 12-point lead late in the third quarter.

The Saints, who gave up a big lead to Norwich last year in the fourth quarter to lose by seven, cut 12-point shortfall down to 52-51 with 4:05 left on Bob Garbade’s layup.

Following a Norwich turnover, Garbade had an opportunity to put his team in front, but his inside shot slid off the rim.

From there, it was all Tornado. Derek Hughes hit one-of-two free throws, and then made what may have been the game-saving play. He stopped a 3-on-1 Saints fast break stealing the ball from SCC guard John Armstrong. Hughes pushed the ball up the floor, spotted Josh Borfitz on the right wing, who subsequently buried a three-pointer – his fifth of the game – raising the lead to five points.

Richie Bonney and Casey Edwards wrapped up the win making 7-for-8 from the charity stripe over the last 81 seconds.