The Bangor boys basketball team locked down its first win of the season on Tuesday night, outlasting rival Brewer 64-57 at home.
The victory snapped a seven game losing streak for the Rams to start their season, including a dramatic one-point loss to Brewer (4-5) on the road back on Dec. 12. It was also the Rams’ first victory over Brewer — the reigning Class A state champions — since early 2021.
“It was good to get it off our back,” Bangor head coach Brad Libby said. “The guys are taking good steps.”
Trailing 31-30 at half, Bangor outscored Brewer 20-6 in the third quarter and staved off a fourth quarter push from Brewer to hold on for the seven-point win. The Witches brought it within three with one minute remaining, but missed a layup and the Rams went on to ice it at the foul line.
“The power went out,” Brewer head coach Carl Parker said. “We didn’t play very well at all in the third; we couldn’t make any shots. We showed courage in the fourth.”
Leading all scorers was Bangor senior forward and former Brewer Witch Ryan Ford with 24 points, including 10 in the third quarter and a buzzer-beating midcourt heave in the first. He scored 27 in Bangor’s loss to Brewer on Dec. 12. Brewer was led by junior forward Owen Fullerton with 22.
Complementing Ford’s efforts was sophomore Josh Grunkemeyer, who scored all 10 of his points in the second half, including four clutch free throws in the fourth quarter. Senior Ram point guard Damon Gonsalves also scored eight.
Next up, Bangor will look to add to its win column against Lewiston away on Friday, and Hampden Academy at home next Monday (MLK Day) at noon. Meanwhile, Brewer will try to bounce back against undefeated Mt. Blue at home on Thursday at 6:30 p.m., and Cony on the road next Monday.