BANGOR- The Washburn Beavers boys basketball team held off a furious and determined fourth quarter charge from the Bangor Christian Patriots to escape with a 45-41 win in a Maine Principals’ Association Class D North quarterfinal game at the Cross Insurance Center Monday evening.
A quick 5-0 lead for Bangor Christian was answered with a 11-2 spurt from the Beavers that included seven first quarter points from 1,000 point scorer Jarrett Olson and that had the Beavers up 11-7 after the first period. 12 first half turnovers resulted in a 10 point deficit at the half for Bangor Christian at 23-13.
Olson and Washburn took control in the third period. Olson had 10 of the Beavers 15 points and after Bangor Christian cut the lead to 27-25 with a 12-4 run Washburn ran off 11 straight points to take a 38-25 lead into the final period.
Washburn would take Bangor Christians best punch in the fourth quarter. The Patriot defense would hold down Olson to no points in the period and with Washburn in the bonus some cold foul shooting on some one and one opportunities allowed the Patriots back in the game. Down just three Bangor Christian would have several chances to cut it down to one or tie the game in last 90 seconds. Their final chance came on a Dean Grass three point attempt with just seconds remaining on the clock. The shot however would fall short and the Patriots was forced to foul Derek Baker who had gathered in the rebound. Baker made one of two from the line to ice the four point win with just over one second remaining.
For Bangor Christian who finishes up at 8-10 on the season, Grass had 13 points. Christian Boone also added 10. Josh Palmeter had a big game on the boards with 11 rebounds to go along with his 6 points. The Patriots shot 12-21 from the free throw line in the contest.
For Washburn, now 14-5, Olson finished with 21 points and 6 rebounds while McCall Turner chipped in with 13 points and 8 rebounds. Number 4 seed Washburn now moves into the semifinal round Thursday night at 8:35 p.m. against top seed Easton who was victorious in Monday nights second quarterfinal.
