By Grady Thompson

Sun Sports Contributor

UTICA - The Tornado boys varsity basketball team left Michael J. Walsh Gym on Sunday night as champions of the 42nd annual Juggler Classic tournament after defeating the hosting Notre Dame Jugglers in an overtime thriller, 60-59.

Norwich advanced to the finals by beating Ogdensburg Free Academy on Saturday night 67-55 in the semi-finals. The contest was close entering the fourth quarter with Norwich having a 2 point lead, but the Tornado would finish the game outscoring the Blue Devils 22-12. Senior Jamison Luke paved the way for Norwich by posting a double-double, with 23 points and 16 rebounds, and Junior Carlos Ithier added another 12 points to help send the Purple Tornado past OFA and to the finals.

In the championship versus Notre Dame, the Tornado and Jugglers exchanged slight leads throughout what would be a very nip-and-tuck game between two evenly matched teams. Norwich entered the fourth quarter with a one point lead that they would increase to five with just over a minute left to play. But the Jugglers, with their backs against the wall, fought back to tie the game at 54 at the end of regulation.