Bethpage's Gargiulo gets his 250th win

The 249 wins preceding it suggested that, eventually, Bethpage girls basketball coach Tom Gargiulo would close out the big 250 for his career. But a third-quarter deficit to Rocky Point, and a tie score going into the final seconds of the Babylon Christmas Tournament consolation game, had to unnerve him just a bit Friday night.

"They were a good team. It could have been anybody's game," Gargiulo said. "We played in Babylon where I live, so a lot of people I know were there. I thought it'd be great to get the win there."

Danielle Brusca (23 points, five assists) hit a tiebreaking three-pointer with eight seconds to go and Bethpage (1-1) held on for a 46-44 win, sealing the milestone for Gargiulo. Julie Ann Tierney had seven points and seven rebounds for the Golden Eagles.

"The team came over, gave me five, said congrats and were very excited," he said. "But I was more excited for them to get the first win of the season."

Gargiulo, who has a 250-170 record in 25 years with Bethpage, has led his team to the playoffs 17 times. His assistant coach is his father, Andy, who's been around for each of his son's victories.

"It's a great feeling," Gargiulo said. "Bethpage is such a great place, great kids. My father was my coach in high school, so to have him come along with me is such a great thrill."

Bethpage trailed 38-37 entering the fourth quarter, causing some tense moments.

"At the end there, it was close," Gargiulo said. "I said, 'I think we can pull it out. The kids are working so hard. I know we can win the game.' "

But even after Brusca hit her shot, the game was far from over. Rocky Point attempted a three-pointer with the clock winding down, and went to the line with a chance to tie the score after being fouled by Bethpage on the play. The Eagles hit only one of three shots.

Now for Gargiulo, it's on to 300.

"I would love to see that down the road," he said. "It's a goal. But it takes time to get there."