While the Bears stayed within striking distance throughout, it was the Dukes of Marlboro who who shot well, particularly from beyond the 3-point arch, grabbed the early lead and never looking back, en route to a 57-49 victory.
Jack Ryan's 17-point effort led Briarcliff. Josiah Cobbs had 13 points and 14 rebounds.
Marlboro, now 20-2, advances to a regional final Saturday at 2 p.m. at Mount St. Mary College.
Briarcliff, which won its first sectional title in nearly a decade, and had its 22-game win streak snapped, closed out a stellar winter season at 23-2. Ironically, Briarcliff's last loss came to these same Dukes, back on Dec. 4.
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