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By D.M.Livingston-The Waterbury Times- Published Jan 20, 2026

⚔️ Game Night in the Brass City

(3) Torrington Raiders (7–2) at (4) Holy Cross Crusaders (8–3)

This one feels bigger than a typical January matchup — because it is.

When Torrington and Holy Cross tip it up tonight in the Brass City, it marks the second of what could be four meetingsbetween two teams clearly on a collision course through the NVL and into the State Tournament.

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📈 Momentum vs. Memory

Torrington enters at 7–2, coming off a tough road loss at Hall, a game that tested their composure and depth. Meanwhile, Holy Cross has quietly become one of the hottest teams in the league, winning six straight after a shaky 2–3 start.

But don’t forget — Dec. 19th in Torrington, the Raiders handed Holy Cross one of those early-season losses. That game still lingers.

Tonight is about:

• Redemption for the Crusaders
• Response for the Raiders

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👀 Players to Watch

Torrington

• C. De La Cruz (F/C) – A physical presence who controls the paint, cleans the glass, and forces defenses to collapse.
• O. Fenn (G/F) – A versatile scorer who can hurt you off the bounce or from deep, especially in rhythm games.

Holy Cross

• A. Davis (F) – Brings energy, toughness, and timely buckets; a matchup problem when attacking downhill.
• B. Brooks (F) – A strong two-way forward who thrives in transition and brings edge on the defensive end.

Both teams are senior- and junior-led, and that experience shows late in games.

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🧠 What Decides This One

• Tempo control – Torrington wants balance; Holy Cross wants to speed you up.
• Rebounding margin – Second-chance points could swing momentum.
• Late-game execution – Expect this one to tighten up in the final four minutes.

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🔮 Bigger Than One Night

This is:

• Matchup #2 of a possible 4
• An NVL tone-setter
• A potential State Tournament preview

By the time March hits, these teams may know each other very well.

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🔥 Final Word

Rivalry energy. Tournament implications. Star power on both sides.

Things are getting intense in the Brass City.

📍 Stay locked in with TWT Sports Desk for full coverage, postgame reactions, and updated Power Rankings.