Postgame interviews- Pangburn, Carver, Trask
BANGOR– The saying is, “It is tough to beat a team three times.” That came true again on Monday morning when the sixth seeded Easton Bears defeated #3 Van Buren 56-48 in a class D boys basketball quarterfinal game at the Cross Insurance Center.
After Isaiah Morales got the scoring started with a three pointer for the Crusaders, but Easton scored the next nine points. Matthew Pangburn sparked the rally with 2 three pointers. The Bears ended the quarter with a 13-10 lead.
Morales scored eight points in the second quarter as the Crusaders exploded for 19 points. Blake Martin had a basket late in the half as Van Buren took a 29-26 lead into halftime.
Blake Martin gives Van Buren a 29-26 lead over Easton at the end of the first quarter. #mesports #tourney2020 pic.twitter.com/QRbf3Cf8q5
— Eastern Maine Sports (@EasternMESports) February 17, 2020
The Bears turned up the defense in the third quarter, only allowing five points. Pangburn scored six points in the quarter as Easton took a 35-34 lead into the final eight minutes of play.
Kody Carter and Owen Nicholson scored their only points of the game in the fourth quarter as the Bears outscored Van Buren 21-14. Kooper Kinney and Austin Carver combined to go 8-8 from the free throw line down the stretch to help secure the victory.
Morales led the Crusaders with 11 points and three steals. Martin recorded nine points, 10 rebounds, and three assists. Henry Hebert added nine points. Van Buren ended the season with a record of 15-4.
Pangburn led the Bears with 20 points (13 in second half), eight rebounds, three assists, and two steals. Carver added 14 points, five rebounds, and two assists. Kinney chipped in with nine points. Eaton (13-6) will play a semifinal game on Thursday night at 7:05 PM.
Easton shot 22-29 from the free throw line, while Van Buren shot 6-9.
