BINGHAMTON – Falling one game short of Midstate Athletic Conference championship a season ago, the Unadilla Valley Storm boys basketball team returned with vengeance to claim the title this year at the Binghamton University Events center Friday night. UV defeated the top-seeded Delhi Bulldogs with a 42-39 final.

Using an outstanding defensive effort in the first half, the Storm was able to build a eight to 10 point lead by the fourth quarter.

In the fourth, Unadilla Valley was faced with fouled troubles and turnovers. Delhi took advantage and got themselves back into the game to pull within two points.

“We didn’t execute on offense and we didn’t make our foul shots down the stretch,” said Storm’s head coach Matt Osborne.

UV’s Levi Rifanburg came down with a much-needed rebound as 17 seconds remained in the contest to give the Storm the possession. With .4 seconds left on the clock, Rifanburg was sent to the free throw line for two shots. Making second of the two attempts, he gave Unadilla Valley their last point of the game to make the final margin of three.

In the fourth quarter, the Bulldogs made four of the team’s six 3-pointers to count for 12 of their 15 points in their comeback attempt.

Cameron Osborne of the Storm helped keep the lead in his team’s hands with his 4-for-6 shooting performance at the foul line in the final eight minutes of play.