Rams Earn Electric Win Over Hilltoppers

In the most anticipated game of the year so far, the Rams hosted their crosstown rival Summit. Both bleachers were teeming with raucous fans. Bodypaint-smeared Rowdies led the boisterous student section. It was one of the largest crowds ever seen at an OP basketball game.

The Daugherty-led Rams jumped out to a fierce start. Applying the full-court press, the Rams were able to pick-pocket their opponents and convert those turnovers to points. Just minutes in, OP had a 12-0 lead.

When Summit coach Tim Simo signaled for a timeout, the Rowdies went beserk. The Hilltoppers were able to form some type of offense, but by the end of the first quarter, OP had a 16-5 lead. The second quarter was much tighter. A frenzy of blocks– by both teams– resulted in a low-scoring period. But the Rams were able to maintain the lead going into halftime, 27-16.

The second half was much closer. A flurry of 3-pointers from Mike Pirone gave OP commanding momentum as they tried to close out the game.

A third-quarter and-1 elbow jump shot by Greg Jones almost brought the house down. By the start of the fourth quarter, OP merely had to maintain a 16 point lead. And that they did. When the final buzzer sounded, OP was victorious 52-38.

Junior Mike Pirone tallied 20 points, coupled with multiple rebounds, assists, and steals. Senior Tommy Conniff scored 5 points. But his best work was done on the paint. The senior grabbed several boards and blocked shots left and right. Junior Greg Jones also scored 10 points.

This was a historic win for OP, as they look to sweep the season series vs Summit on February 19.