Rogers Boys Beat Portsmouth in Overtime Thriller

Before the game started, the theme music from the "Rocky" movies played over the sound system, setting the tone and foreshadowing a great bout between the two teams.  

The Varsity Boys Vikings and the Patriots would duke it out in a game that saw Rogers dominate early, saw Portsmouth battle back and tie in regulation, only to fall in overtime to the Vikings.

In the first half, Rogers took control offensively, despite several great offensive plays by Portsmouth's Ben Willett and Patrick Lynch. With nine minutes to go in the first half, No. 5 for Rogers, Reeyon Watts, hit a three, giving the Vikings a 17-9 lead.

A short time later, Watts dished the ball to No. 4 Trevor Morgera, who scored and gave Rogers a 10-point lead. The score was 19-9 with seven minutes to go in the first half. That is the biggest lead either team would see for the remainder of the game.  From then on, it was a battle under the boards, with strong defense, and equally strong offense from both squads.  

Portsmouth went on a 10-2 run over the next several minutes to cut the Rogers lead to two. It was now 21-19 with just over three minutes to go in the first half.

The two teams traded baskets for the remaining three minutes, but Rogers never lost the lead. The first half came to a close with Rogers on top of Portsmouth, 29-26.

The second half saw the offensive fireworks on both sides continue. A fast paced game with several fast breaks, and impressive poise from both teams, the two kicked it up a notch and picked up right where they left off in the first half.  

Rogers went up by eight, with just under 11 minutes to play, but a big 3-pointer from Portsmouth's Pat Lynch cut the lead to six with nine minutes to play in the game.

Rogers led by seven with 6:45 remaining. Once again, Portsmouth's Lynch nailed a big three, cutting the Rogers lead to four. The score was 52-48 with 6:11 to go.

Portsmouth scored quickly again to cut the lead to two. It was now 52-50, with Rogers still in front.

The two teams then traded buckets like fighters exchange punches.

No. 22 for Portsmouth, Ben Willett, hit a field goal to tie the game at 54 with 3:40 to go.

A dizzying final three minutes saw the two teams go toe to toe with each other. One took the lead, then the other would take it right back. Portsmouth then Rogers. Rogers then Portsmouth. The crowd growing louder as the final minutes ticked away.  

With 1:08 to go in regulation, No. 33 for Porstmouth, Matt Occhi, would hit a 3-pointer to give the Patriots their first lead of the second half. It was now 60-58, with Portsmouth on top.

Rogers hit a bucket to tie the game with under a minute to play. Tied at 60, the two teams then threw defensive nets over each other and went into overtime, tied at 60.

Rogers won the opening tip-off in overtime. They then scored two quick baskets to take a 64-60 lead with just over three minutes to go in overtime.  

Portsmouth would answer yet again Lynch drained another 3-pointer to cut the Rogers lead to one.  

The score was 64-63, with Rogers still in front and less than three minutes to go.

The two squads would once again trade baskets. With two minutes to go, Rogers hit a bucket to go up 66-63.  

Portsmouth would then hit a bucket of their own to make it 66-65. There was now 1:20 to go in overtime.

No. 55 for the Patriots scored to give the lead back to Portsmouth, 66-66.

Rogers then scored again to take the lead back with 13.9 seconds to go in the extra frame, 68-67. Portsmouth was forced to foul Rogers with only seconds remaining. The score remained the same with 10.4 seconds left to play.

After another foul by Portsmouth, No. 32 for Rogers, Senior Captain Parker Sizeland, was sent to the line for two free throw attempts. He hit one, taking the score to 69-67 with 0.5 seconds to go.

No. 22 for Portsmouth, Ben Willett, inbounded the ball and fired a rocket down the court to his teammate who took a final shot, but missed.

The thriller was over. Rogers won, 69-67. 

The game may not have counted towards either teams overall or divisional records on the season, but you would never have known. It was an exciting game right down to the wire and then some in overtime. Both teams played great fundamental basketball.

Rogers will continue in the Holiday Tournament on Friday, when they take on rival Middletown at 11 a.m., once again at Portsmouth High. Portsmouth will play immediately after the first game on Friday, taking on Tiverton with a scheduled tip-off of 1 p.m.