Rams Clinch UCC Mountain Division With Win Over SPF

On Saturday, the Rams traveled down Mountain Ave for a meeting with SPF. OP had just about sealed the UCC Mountain division entering Saturday. It would have taken a horrible collapse for the Rams to lose their grip on the division. But of course, OP wanted to seal the division with a W. In their last competition, OP outlasted the Raiders, blowing them out 65-48. This game, though, would be much closer.

The Rams and Raiders were neck and neck from the jump. Both teams jumped out to a hot start, trading baskets. At the end of the first quarter, OP had a narrow 19-18 edge. SPF picked up the intensity in the second quarter, outscoring the Rams 15-13. At halftime, the Raiders held a 33-32 lead. The second half would remain tightly contested. Both teams came out of the intermission, scoring points left and right. In the fourth quarter, OP was down seven points with just over 2:30 to go. It was apparent to everyone the Raiders would close out the game. Enter Greg Jones. The junior netted a big three-pointer and pull up jump shot. Late free throws by Mike Pirone and Tommy Conniff iced the game for the Rams.

Greg Jones scored 20 points, including three 3 balls. Mike Pirone also scored 16, with 3 assists and 3 rebounds. Tommy Conniff scored 16 points and tallied 19 rebounds. Enzo Canali also scored 9 points and grabbed 7 rebounds.

Next up for OP is either SPF or Sinai Christian on Thursday in the UCC Tournament.