KENNEBUNK — Trailing 40-21 heading into the fourth quarter against host Kennebunk, the Noble girls basketball team would surge in the final eight minutes and pull within four points in the final two minutes of play.

However, the Rams would withstand the pressure and hold off the Knights to secure the 52-47 win.

“We, for some reason, stopped doing everything we were doing in the first half and Noble never stopped playing. They played hard the whole way and we knew they would,” said Kennebunk coach Rob Sullivan on the fourth quarter. “I don’t think the teams made any major adjustments because both teams were doing what they wanted to do … they did a much better job in the second half of forcing their will on us.”

Noble trailed by as many as 22 points in the second half, and coach Matt Reid was proud of his team’s effort despite the loss.

“I think in games like that momentum plays a big role. We tweaked a few things with our pressure, were able to get some tips and generate some offense that way. That definitely helped us,” said Reid. “The big takeaway hopefully is that we never let something like the score dictate our enthusiasm or energy in how we play. We always feel like we’re in it until the very end.”

The Rams would take a 13-7 lead after the first quarter, and would use a 12-5 second quarter to extend the lead to 25-12 at the half. The Rams would also mount a 10-0 run midway through the third quarter to take the 22-point lead.

Emily Archibald continued her impressive season for the Rams as she scored 20 points and put up 10 in each half. Alaina Schatzabel added 13 points in the win, and Jess Dupler would add eight points including two 3-pointers as well as key free throws in the final minute to close out the game.

“Archibald is a really good player for them, she does a lot for them, and when you have good shooters that gives you the inside and outside game. In the first half our defense rotated well and got a few tips, but offensively we obviously didn’t shoot the ball very well,” said Reid. “Close games like that, in the end that comes back to bite you.”

Amy Fleming led the Knights with 20 points while Raegan Kelly added 19, including 13 in the fourth.

Sullivan was proud to see his team hold on and weather the storm.

“I thought in the first half we did a better job of controlling the pace and controlling the boards, we had them in foul trouble. I’m pleased that they didn’t let the emotions completely overtake them,” said Sullivan. “That momentum gets going and you have to hit the brakes. We’re a young team, at this point it’s just win (and) learn.”

The Rams improve to 6-5 while the Knights fall to 1-9. Sullivan hopes that Friday’s close win helps his young team — which features just one senior — gain valuable experience down the stretch.

“I would love to win every game by one or two points. That means you learn, you take care of the ball every possession,” said Sullivan. “A lot of our wins have been close and have made them better.”

— Associate Sports Editor Alex Sponseller can be reached at asponseller@journaltribune.com or at 282-1535 ext. 323. Follow the Journal Tribune Sports Department on Twitter @JournalTsports.

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