Thirds boys’ basketball struggled against a more active and higher energy Avon Old Farms team, notching their first home loss 44-41. Despite significant contributions from Jerry Du ‘27 and Michael Hioe ‘27 in the second half, Deerfield couldn’t quite crack the 2-2-1 press and the 2-3 zone. Down 9 with 88 seconds to play, the Doors turned up the defensive pressure and offensive efficiency and found themselves with a chance to tie the game at the end. Tommy Govi ‘26 grabbed a huge board and looked ahead for Du who nearly hit a three in front of the home crowd as time expired which would have sent it to overtime. Deerfield looks to find its groove again as they head to Suffield on Saturday.