Arlington Catholic Ready for Showdown with Reading

Two years ago, Reading thumped Arlington Catholic by 20 points in the regular season. But the Cougars bounced back when it mattered most snagging a 20-point victory of its own in the rematch when the postseason rolled around.

Head coach Dave Brady's charges are hoping for a similar result on Saturday when they look to continue their title defense on the hardwood of Lowell's Tsongas Center in the North Division 2 title game.

On February 19, Reading cruised to a 58-32 home win, one of just three setbacks the second-seeded Cougars suffered all year.

Not only did the Lady Rockets rip off a 22-0 record to get to the sectional title game, but they also did so in convincing fashion. Only one tilt was decided by less than 16 points all year for Reading. That was a nine point win over Woburn on January 20, and in the rematch the Rockets bounced back and won by 17 points.

But following , Brady said his team is feeling confident heading into the rematch. His core group of players has played on the Tsongas Center floor the last three years, and has a total playoff record of 14-2.

Both Reading and the Cougars have the ability to shoot the lights out, but can also hold down their opponents with smothering defense, making it difficult to predict what kind of game Saturday's final will be.

“We’ve won two of three (at Tsongas), and every time we’ve been there we haven’t been predicted to win,” said Brady after Wednesday's win. “We're familiar with Reading, we have a history with them. They’re not intimidated at all; they’re looking forward to it actually."

You can follow along with all of the action on Saturday as the Cougars hope to advance to the state title game once more. Tip off comes at 2 p.m., and . Then check back for complete coverage of what should be a thrilling postseason battle.