BIDDEFORD— The Kennebunk boys basketball team pushed past the host Biddeford Tigers 76-61 Monday night in a high scoring affair.

Zachary MacKinnon led the Rams with 31 points, while Cameron Lovejoy chipped in 21, and both Travon Bradford and Patrick Grady tallied 10.

Biddeford’s Patrick Pearl led the Tigers with 17 points while Kyle Norton racked up 16 and Alex Millett 10.

The Rams came out firing in the first quarter, establishing posession of the ball in transition.

Kennebunk quickly took an 9-4 lead, however the Tigers gained some traction and were able to pull within one point thanks to a solid finish in the quarter, including a deep 3-pointer from Millett.

The Rams again came out hot in the second. Kennebunk was able to maintain the advantage for the entire eight minutes thanks to three 3-pointers and earned a 35-21 lead heading into half time.

The Tigers came out focused for the second half and looked to gain some ground in the final quarters.

Midway through the third quarter, Biddeford enjoyed a 9-0 run that pulled them within six points.

The Rams shortly after squashed the momentum by scoring eight consecutive points, including 3-pointers from Lovejoy and MacKinnon.

Kennebunk continued to build on their lead and managed to lead by a comfortable 58-45 entering the fourth.

Although Biddeford played hard for the final eight minutes, the lead the Rams built was too much to overcome and Biddeford fell by 15 points.

Kennebunk coach Barrett Belanger was happy with his team’s performance and felt that the offense came up big.

“Offensively we played very well. We really played together and created shots for each other. We shot well too,” said Belanger. “I was telling the guys that we really need to tighten up on defense. There were times in the third quarter where things could have broke, but a win is a win and I will take it.”

Despite the win, Belanger was impressed with Biddeford’s fight and tough play throughout the night.

“They have the potential to shoot. They’re well coached and they’re scrappy so we knew they wouldn’t give up,” said Belanger. “It was about not allowing consecutive baskets and keeping the lead to at least eight or nine points.”

Biddeford coach Justin Tardif was also happy with his team’s effort despite the loss.

“We played really hard tonight, I was pleased with the team’s overall effort,” said Tardif. “There were times where we were down, but we never fell far behind and we hung in there. Kennebunk played a great game though, they shot well and played a great game all around.”

According to Tardif, the Tigers must take it one day at a time an focus on what lies ahead.

“We just have to look at the next game. We need to work hard and get better in practice,” said Tardif. “We have a stretch coming where we think we can win some games. We’re just going to have to move on.”

— 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.