Portland Raiders and Charlotte Orioles Battle to Overtime Decision in Boy's Basketball

The Raiders visited Charlotte on Friday night and it came down to overtime.

The first quarter saw the Raiders establish a five-point lead, with the score 14-9, before Charlotte rallied with four consecutive 3 point baskets to take the lead 21-14 early in the second quarter. Things settled down a bit and Portland pulled to within three points by half-time. Charlotte led at the half 26-23.

The third quarter saw Raider Senior Owen Russell put up 10 of his game high 25 points and the Raiders pulled ahead 41-40, before Charlotte made a basket to take a 42-41 lead into the fourth quarter.

Portland played hard in the fourth quarter and with less than a minute to play led 57-53. But, a combination of aggressive defense and Portland turnovers allowed the Orioles to make two last minute lay-ups to tie the score at 57-57 with less than twenty seconds to play. Portland’s Gavin McGregor then made two free throws to give Portland the lead again at 59-57. Charlotte responded with another basket to tie the score 59-59 and on the ensuring play another Raider turnover gave the Orioles the ball with 4.3 seconds on the clock. Charlotte’s last shot rolled off the back of the rim, as the clock expired, to allow Portland a chance to win in overtime.

Charlotte scored the first two baskets in overtime, to take a 63-59 lead and the Orioles did not trail again. The final score was 73-67.

Aryan Virk was the only other Portland player in double figures finishing with 17. Justin Bates led Charlotte with 21 points.

The Orioles raised their record to 2-7 on the year and the Raiders record fell to 2-7. The Raiders travel to Lakewood-Lake Odessa to take on the Vikings who are 3-6. The Raiders defeated the Vikings twice last year including a 58-46 win in the District Semi-Finals.