January 14, 2023
Tip-off between Portland and Oxford Hills. Photo by Emily Bontatibus
By Emily Bontatibus
The Oxford Hills Vikings (10-1) defended their home court against the Portland Bulldogs (8-3) in a thrilling overtime game Friday night.
The first ranked Vikings were undefeated up until January 5th when they played Lewiston on the road, losing by just five points. Head coach Scott Graffam welcomes the challenges, he said, “our schedule hasn’t been real steep” and that his team “had a great preseason.”
The third ranked Bulldogs have had only two losses this season, their first game against Lewiston and a tight home game against Oxford Hills. Head coach Joe Russo has a unique outlook on wins and losses, he stated “ If everyone survives a game you always feel better, but it’s not all about winning.” Portland has several wins and losses within a single digit margin. The Bulldogs lost to Oxford Hills by only one point on January 3rd.
The Vikings were met with the Bulldog’s press early in the first quarter. But, Oxford Hills’ Junior forward Holden Shaw set the tone with a tough layup through Portland’s pressure. Up 8-6 with three minutes left, Portland moved into a high-low offense to combat the opponent. Oxford Hills’ Senior guard Cole Pulkkinen made a key steal with five seconds left to lower his team's deficit to four heading into the second quarter.
Steals led to buckets for the Vikings in the second quarter. Portland forward Remijo Wani hit a three-pointer with five minutes left to put his team up 16-12. Oxford Hills rallied to take the lead 25-23 entering the second half.
Portland tied the match early into the second half. Both teams drove into the lane trying to draw contact. The Bulldogs sported a zone defense to challenge the Vikings outside of the paint. Portland cut their deficit to one by the end of the quarter with a three pointer from Junior guard Kevin Rugabirwa and a layup from Senior guard Brady Toher.
The fourth quarter opened with a lot of back and forth between the score, each team was capitalizing on their possessions. The Vikings were up 48-47 with a minute left, but the Bulldogs’ Senior forward Pitia Donato was awarded with two bonus free throw opportunities to tie the game and take it into overtime.
Fouls plagued each team. Though, only the Vikings capitalized on their free throws. Portland’s effort to double team Oxford Hills to regain the ball proved useful, until they reached the free throw line. The Vikings won 62-52 in overtime.
The Vikings face Cheverus in Portland on January 20th at 7:00 p.m, and the Bulldogs play at Windham on January 16th at 5:30 p.m.
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