Ocean City Falls to Mainland

By LESLEY GRAHAM The gym was standing room only. The energy was palpable. The game did not disappoint. The rivalry between Ocean City and Mainland came to a head Monday evening when the visiting Mustangs defeated the Red Raiders 62-58. Ocean City's Gannon Brady led all scorers with 22 points. The loss drops Ocean City to 7-7, while Mainland improves to 10-4 on the year. Mainland found its offensive groove early in the first quarter and stayed in it throughout the entire game, leaving Ocean City to always play catch up. Gannon Brady, who led Ocean City with 22 points, shoots a jumper. At the end of the first quarter Mainland led 18-12, with Ocean City struggling to find shots. The Mustangs increased their lead in the second quarter of play to as large as 10 points with under three minutes to play, but Ocean City was not going away quietly. The Red Raiders fought back after a few travel calls on Mainland and Brady hitting a three-pointer to end the half. Mainland led 29-25 going into halftime. Ocean City came out of the locker room fueled with fire, going on the attack in the third quarter. The Raiders cut the lead to three with under three minutes to play but struggled to rebound the ball, allowing the Mustangs second opportunity looks at the basket. Red Raider Joe Repetti (11) plays defense. Brady hit another big three-pointer late in the third quarter to make it a two-point game going into the fourth quarter. Mainland held a slight advantage, 47-45. The Red Raiders had their chance to lead for the first time all game when they were down by one and shooting two foul shots. However, the Raiders missed both free throws, allowing the Mustangs to maintain their lead late into the fourth quarter. Ocean City seemed to be deflated as Mainland went on a run to extend the lead back up to seven with two minutes to play. The Red Raiders caught a break when Mainland threw the ball away with under two minutes to play and they were able to cut the lead back to four. After fouls on both teams, the Raiders were down two with 32.3 seconds to play. Forced to foul, Ocean City had a chance to tie the game, but the effort came up just short and Mainland left with the victory, 62-58. Ocean City's Mike Rhodes (42) blocks a Mainland shot.