Patriots can’t overcome several final hurdles

Robinson scores 21, but Pats’ 14-game win streak halted

COLLEGE PARK — He had to wait until 9 p.m. on Thursday night, but Avion Robinson made the most of his first opportunity to play at Xfinity Center in the state basketball tournament. Unfortunately, he will have to wait until next year for a second game.

Robinson led the Patriots with 21 points, but Old Mill struggled from the field and on the glass, and was hurt by a glaring disparity in free throws, as they lost to to Bladensburg in a Class 4A State semifinal, 69-53.

Bladensburg, winners of five straight, will take on Perry Hall, the defending Class 4A State champion, Saturday night at 8 p.m.

The Gators advanced following an 85-62 victory over Gaithersburg. Xavier Gravette led four Perry Hall players in double figures with 19 points and six rebounds. Cincinnati recruit LaQuill Hardnett had nine points, seven assists and 12 rebounds, while Mississippi commit Anthony Higgs added 15 points and seven rebounds. Bladensburg is looking for its first state title in 45 years.

After a timid performance in the opening minutes, the Patriots (22-5) responded, thanks mainly to Robinson, who had the hot hand early. He scored nine points in the first quarter and the two teams traded leads several times, before the Mustangs ended the first up two, 18-16.

The second quarter was a much different story. Old Mill could not make a shot, missing from inside, outside and even at the rim on multiple opportunities, making just two field goals in the period.

The Mustangs (15-2) went on a 14-2 run in the second, and took an 11-point lead at the break. However, the Patriots, as they are wont to do whentrailing going into the second half, responded with pressure defense. Mahzi Thames and D.J. Turner were the catalysts, creating multiple turnovers that led to several easy baskets, as Old Mill went on a12-3 run to start the second half. Thames was all over the court at both ends, and changed the narrative for a while, getting Old Mill within one. The Patriots trailed by five after three, 44-39.

Daniel Oladapo, who led the Mustangs with 27 points and 10 rebounds, began to close it out for Bladensburg early in the fourth with an inside basket, followed by a 3-pointer to make it 51-39 with 6 minutes, 36 seconds to go.

The Patriots had a14-game winning streak snapped.