BIDDEFORD — The Massabesic boys basketball team defeated Biddeford handily, 87-51, on Saturday afternoon in Biddeford.

Massabesic senior Ryan Gullikson led the way with 14 points, while senior Tyus Sprague Ripley added 13 points of his own.

Biddeford’s top scorer was freshman Carter Edgerton with 11 points, including two three-pointers. Junior Patrick Pearl also racked up seven points.

Massabesic wasted no time taking control of the game, immediately lighting up the scoreboard in the first quarter.

The Mustangs began the game by going on a 5-0 run, then later going on another 5-0 run, pushing ahead 16-7 at the end of the first.

Tensions began to rise in the second quarter as both teams began playing with an edge, causing a chippy style of play heading into halftime.

Massabesic’s physicality has been a point of emphasis according to coach Chris Binette.

“That’s our game. That is the way we try to play every game. We want to play hard and physical, play with intensity and tight defensively,” said Binette.

Although Biddeford made some impressive stops in the second, the Massabesic offense was once again too much to handle as they went on to score 28 points in the second quarter.

The Tigers hoped to gain some traction when freshman Kyle Norton hit a deep three, however second later on the next drive the Mustangs matched with a three of their own from Gullikson.

Massabesic once again came out firing in the third quarter; beginning with a 15-3 run that included numerous highlight reel plays.

A notable play came about midway through the quarter, when senior Weston Bergeron passed the ball the length of the court to senior Joshua Daigle who hit the easy layup.

By the second half of the fourth quarter, both teams began digging into their benches and many of the starts got some early rest.

Many of the players from the second units impressed, with the teams combining for four three-pointers in the quarter.

Massabesic cruised to the victory, and Binette was pleased with his team’s overall performance.

“The guys played well today. They made a lot of good shots on offense, moved the ball well. They played tight defensively which is what we want. Defense is the key,” said Binette.

Looking ahead, Binette’s message to his team was simple.

“We have to get better, today was good but not good enough. We just need to get better,” said Binette.

— Sports Staff Writer Alex Sponseller can be reached at [email protected] or at 282-1535 ext. 323. Follow the Journal Tribune Sports Department on Twitter @JournalTsports.