The boys basketball team fell in two heartbreakers over the break, losing 84-80 to Tuscarora and 55-53 to South Hagerstown.
The Vikings, now 4-4 on the season, trailed Tuscarora 41-10 during the second quarter, but used timely scoring from guards Riley Shaver and Shaq Diboti-Lobe to storm back and send the game to overtime.
The Vikes were able to get some momentum going into halftime, as they cut the lead to 22 at halftime.
After the break, the Vikings outscored the Titans 23-6 in the third quarter, dominating the offensive and defensive glass.
“We came out and executed, and eventually clawed our way back into the game,” center Max Oppenheim said.
The Vikes eventually sent the game to overtime, but had trouble stopping the Titans’ potent scoring attack in the extra period.
Diboti-Lobe had a career-high 28 points to go with seven rebounds and five assists.
Shaver had 20 points and eight rebounds, and center Anton Casey had another productive game, scoring 15 points and grabbing 15 rebounds.
After the loss to Tuscarora, the Vikings played South Hagerstown, who is 6-2 this season.
The teams were evenly matched in the first half, as the Rebels held a slim three-point lead at halftime.
The Vikings again came out of the locker room with renewed energy, and took the lead in the third quarter.
The teams went back and forth early in the fourth quarter, and the Vikes led 53-51 with 34 seconds left following a Diboti-Lobe layup.
The Rebels came down the floor and made a shot through traffic in the lane, drawing a foul in the process. They missed the ensuing free throw, but secured the rebound, and drew another foul.
After making both free throws, the Rebels took the lead, and this would prove to be just enough to win.
Diboti-Lobe and Shaver combined for 33 points in the loss.
“Some poor play and bad decision caused us to give away the game,” Oppenheim said. “It was a letdown for us mentally, but these close games help build experience for everyone on the team, in case we faced similar a scenario later in the season.”
The Vikings will look to improve their division record to 2-0 when they square off with the 5-3 B-CC Barons this Tuesday.
