Friday, March 9, 2012 10:34 PM EST

By Evan Macy Staff Writer

HARTFORD The New Britain boys basketball team pulled off an upset for the ages Thursday night in Hartford, coming from behind repeatedly in a magical 66-61 overtime win over Hartford Public.

The Owls were unbeaten in regular season play. They were taller, more accomplished and held home court advantage.

So how exactly did the Hurricanes pull off the victory, advancing to face Fairfield Prep Monday in the quarterfinals?

Emotions in check

There is no denying New Britain is a team that plays with emotion. The key Thursday was not letting those it the better of them.

We had to stay composed, Stigliano said. Weve been talking about it all the time. I told them the team we played on Tuesday [Danbury] is much different than this team. This team is disciplined; they work hard and have a great coaching staff. Theyre going to come at us and they arent going to roll over and die. We need to make sure that if they make a run we stay composed. Its a long game, our back was against the wall and we just found a way to do it.

There were several points in the game where New Britain could have faltered, but they were able to keep it all business while on the hardwood.

Weve been preaching it, the coach said. The tournament is all about emotion. The environment is hostile. The team that stays composed the longest wins the game. The only way you can make a big play is if your mind is in the right place. As a coach, you try to teach it but you have to let them do it, and they did it. I give them all the credit in the world. They deserved it.

Go here to read the rest:
Anatomy of an upset