Burke can’t keep pace with Springfield International

Burke’s quest for its second state championship in four years came to a conclusion Wednesday night.

Trailing 36-33 with three minutes to play in the third, No. 3 Springfield International went on a 13-2 run that spread into the fourth quarter en route to a 5953 win over No. 2 Burke in the Division 4 state semifinals on Wednesday night at Worcester State.

The Bulldogs will play for their first state title since 2010 versus top-seeded Wareham.

“Burke is a tremendous offensive team, and if you’re going to beat them you need to limit their second-chance opportunities,” Springfield International coach Patrick Ochoa said. “Once we kept them off the glass we gave ourselves a chance to compete.”

Two Jaeden Roberts (23 points) triples put Burke (19-5) on top 36-32 late in the third and put it seemingly on the verge of going on a breakaway run. Springfield, however, answered by going on a 6-0 spurt before the end of the frame highlighted by a London Denson layup behind Burke’s zone to go on top 38-36 heading into the final quarter.

The start of the fourth belonged to Springfield as Josh Colon finished a nifty up-and-under to cap the run and stretch the lead to 45-38. Chris Cruz tried to keep Burke within striking distance with a pair of putbacks that trimmed the deficit to 48-44. Burke remained within four, 5450, with two minutes left but two missed free throws that prevented the Boston City League champions from getting closer and

Sam Fleming connected at the charity stripe to seal the win for Springfield.

“This is a great opportuinity for our team and our community,” Ochoa said. “Playing at this stage, at this level, is what you want and what it is all about. Our kids are ready.”

Courtesy of nine points from Roberts, Burke grabbed a 14-13 lead after one. The sides remained neck and neck in the second, with Matt Drayton and Roberts guiding Burke, while nine points from Fleming kept Springfield within 27-25 at the break.