Bridgton Rallies To Down Worcester

Bridgton Academy began its NEPSAC Tournament Title defense Sunday afternoon as they traveled to Phillips Exeter Academy, to take on Worcester Academy in a play-in game. The Wolverines are the #8 seed in the tournament, with Worcester being the #9. Bridgton was able to rally late and earn a 69-64 victory.

#24 Kevin Anthony goes up for the tip off against Worcester Academy Sunday at Phillips Exeter, in the NEPSAC play in game.

The first half was a back and forth battle, which saw three ties and seven lead changes. Bridgton had the biggest lead of the half when Ruben Kanya's (Hamilton, Ontario) three capped off an 8-0 run to make it 27-19. Worcester responded with a 9-0 run of their own to go up 28-27. From that point on it was back and forth with the lead changing with the changing of possession. Worcester took a slight 33-32 advantage into the break.

#23 Chance Jones knocks down a three late in the game.

To start the second half Worcester was hot and stretched the lead to six, but Bridgton kept battling and Chance Jones (Knoxville, TN) hit a three with 13:00 to play and even the score at 41-41. The game was still knotted with 8:28 to play following a Kanya bucket, making it 49-49. Worcester from that point went on an 8-0 run, thanks in large part to the shooting of Billy Barron to build a 57-49 lead, with 7:00 remaining.
#24 Kevin Anthony goes to the basket against Worcester

Paul Dick (Belfast, Ireland) scored five straight for the Wolverines, and a three by Jones, with 5:18 to play, tied the game at 57. Jones knocked down another three on the next BA possession, and Dick added another bucket to bring the Black and Gray roaring back with a 13-0 run and lead 62-57 with 3:42 to play. Worcester would cut the lead to just three with 1:47 to play, but Alex Harris (Richmond, CA) knocked down a jumper and forced a turnover with 40 seconds to play, and secure the win. Barron kept it exciting by knocking down a deep three, but there was not enough time as Jones converted foul shots to make the final 69-64.
#00 Thierno Niang talks with #24 Kevin Anthony during the game Sunday vs. Worcester.

Following the game Lesure commented on the play of his team, "What a great win for our team. Out of the timeout down seven late we were tough and good. I like the fact we're still getting better." Lesure was complimentary of Worcester saying, "I have a lot of respect for how Worcester competes, and Billy Barron is my favorite player in our league." Barron finished with a game high 24 points. Harris lead BA with 21, Dick added 20 and Jones had 15.

Bridgton will now play Brewster Academy on Wednesday at Endicott College. Speaking of the upcoming match up Lesure said, "I am excited to play Brewster again. Jason (Smith) and I have become good friends. I think Brewster vs. Bridgton has become the best rivalry, and some of the big games have been in the tournament. This will be another," he went on to say, "We're underdogs, but that's fine."

The team would like to thank students Dave Roberson, Jamie White, Jerrell Green, Ethan Barnes, and John Despres for making the trip to Exeter to support the team, as well as thanks to Athletic Director Brad Smith for running the score clock.

Bridgton will take on Brewster at 4:00 PM at Endicott College in Beverly, MA, Wednesday.