AMSA’s varsity boys basketball team, capitalizing on its superior size and speed, cruised to a 61-30 win over Parker Charter on Tuesday. The Eagles jumped out to a 13-point lead in the first quarter and were never challenged.

The Eagles were ruthless, taking advantage of their age and experience — mostly juniors and seniors, against a team that included middle schoolers — to out-muscle Parker around the basket and then ferociously turn rebounds, blocks, and steals into lethal fast-break chances.

AMSA had plenty of motivation, knowing that a win would clinch a Colonial Athletic League playoff spot.

“It was a good game,” Eagles coach Joe Ciolino said. “We played fundamental basketball — a lot of rebound and run.”

AMSA, which improved to 6-6 in the CAL and 8-7 overall, will find out who it will face in the playoffs on Feb. 16.

AMSA junior Drew Meyer pulled down 16 rebounds alone, as the Eagles forced a smaller Parker team to shoot from the perimeter. The Panthers couldn’t break through AMSA’s defense and, with the Eagles crowding the key, they hopelessly fired from the corners and beyond the free-throw line.

AMSA junior Mark Bibiu, who played most of the game and had four assists, agreed with Mr. Ciolino that the win “was a team effort.”  

By the second quarter, the Eagles had a commanding 22-point lead. It became clear early that Parker wouldn’t be able to keep pace.