The taste of redemption is sweet.

Earlier in the year, the Wareham High School boys basketball team lost by one point in a tight game at Bishop Stang High School, but on Thursday night, they were able to hold on to beat the Spartans 72-64 at home.

The Vikings (9-3, 6-3 SCC) led by as many as 20 points in the third quarter, but Spartans (9-2) were able to pull back to within three points late in the fourth quarter.

With less than two minutes to play, sophomore forward Jovahn Thomas scored on a strong drive to the hoop to put Wareham up 66-61, essentially sealing the deal for the Vikings.

Senior center Derrick Gerrior was tough on the boards down the stretch, getting a big defensive rebound on Stang’s next possession followed by an offensive put-back on which he was fouled. Gerrior made the free throw, making it 69-61 with 40.3 seconds to play.

“Derrick came up with some big rebounds,” said Coach Kevin Brogioli. “He’s a defensive player. He's smart. We’re gonna need him to keep improving.”

Viking senior forward Andy White once again led the Vikings in scoring with 24 points, including a big third where he scored the first five points amidst a 10-0 run to start the quarter. White also had a big block on Stang’s Desmond Johnson on the Spartan’s final possession.

Viking sophomore forward Jovahn Thomas scored 15 points, and senior guard Mathieu Griggs had some big buckets down the stretch including a three pointer that gave Wareham a 62-51 lead in the fourth.

“We bended, but we didn't break,” said Brogioli.

Brogioli also credited Griggs for his defense, saying he often takes the responsibility of covering the other teams’ top scorer.

“He’s a defensive stopper,” he said. “He takes great pride in his defense.”

Stang was led by senior Cam Sylvia (18 points) and senior Desmond Johnson (17 points).

Prior to the game, Brogioli and father Jim were honored with a large, basketball-shaped trophy for their collective 700-plus wins. Kevin won the 300th game of his career on January 9.

“It was nice, but I'm sick I the 300 stuff,” he said. “But it was nice being honored with my dad.”

The elder Brogioli, who had over 400 wins as Wareham’s head coach, said he was proud of what his son’s done at the helm.

“I consider it a great honor,” Jim said. “It’s something very satisfying with the success Kevin has had. He brought he program to a new level. The number of times he’s won the conference championship, winning the state championship (in 2010). He definitely deserves the trophy.”

Wareham will play at Fairhaven High School Friday night.