The third-seeded Glen Rock boys’ basketball team pulled out a tight win, 57-55, over the fourteen-seeded Manchester Falcons in the first round of the State tournament.

Upset-minded Manchester had pulled together a late rally when trailing by eight with just over two minutes remaining, yet fell a basket short in the final seconds.

“The experience we gained fighting through the county tournament really helped us rally around each other against Manchester,” said Dan Frissora, junior student three-point specialist. “The crowd definitely helped us, especially when they made a run at the end of the game, and we appreciate all the support from the fans that came out.  Hopefully they can come out again in full force on Thursday.”

Leading by eight with two minutes remaining, the visiting Falcons went on a run and cut the Glen Rock lead to only two points with 11 seconds remaining. After a mishandled inbound pass, the Falcons got the ball with nine seconds and one last chance to save their season.

On a drive to the rim by a senior Manchester guard, the entire arena went silent waiting to see the outcome of the shot. When the ball rimmed out, resulting in a Glen Rock victory, the gymnasium erupted and the fans stormed the court.

Khalil Williams led Glen Rock in scoring with 14 points and paced the team to victory.

Glen Rock will play their next game Thursday night home against Ramsey in the State quarterfinals.