The MacArthur High School boys varsity basketball team is charging into the playoffs.

The Generals routed Farmingdale, 51-38, on Friday, Feb. 9, to avenge an 11-point defeat against the Dalers in January. MacArthur then nearly pulled off a monumental upset in its regular-season finale - pulling to within six points of Uniondale midway through the fourth quarter before falling, 56-45, on Senior Night.

MacArthur opens the postseason Friday, Feb. 16, on the road. The Generals finished the regular season 8-10 overall and 5-8 in Nassau Conference AA-II - a major step forward after a two-win season in 2005-06.

Against Farmingdale, first-year coach Eric Rubin used his entire squad, and nine different players contributed to the scoring. Senior Dan McDermott had 13 points, including three of the Generals' seven three-pointers. Senior Omid Nouravi added a season-high 10 points and junior Mike Gattus had eight points.

"We're clicking at the right time," assistant coach Doug New said.

"Hopefully we'll get past the first round and have a chance to continue playing next week. Regardless, this has been a tremendously positive season."