Celtics defeat Skyhawks 112-103 in series opener

COLLEGE PARK, Ga. — The Maine Celtics built an early lead and held off a late push from the College Park Skyhawks for a 112-103 win in the first game of a two-game series.

Maine (7-5) took control in the opening quarter, jumping out to a 13-2 lead and carrying a 29-17 advantage into the second period. The Celtics extended the margin in the second quarter with a 10-0 run fueled by three forced turnovers and led 57-36 at halftime.

College Park (4-9) fell behind by as many as 25 points in the third quarter before responding with a 13-5 run, highlighted by three consecutive 3-pointers. The Celtics maintained their edge, taking an 86-68 lead into the fourth.

The Skyhawks cut the deficit to 10 in the final quarter, but Maine answered with a 21-7 run to regain control. College Park closed the game on a 13-0 run, but the rally came up short.

RayJ Dennis led the Skyhawks with 17 points, 10 assists, five rebounds and six steals in 38 minutes. According to the team, Dennis became the first player in franchise history to record at least 15 points, 10 assists, five rebounds and six steals in a game.

Asa Newell, on assignment from the Atlanta Hawks, finished with 15 points and seven rebounds in his return to College Park. Nikola Đurišić also scored 15 points and added four assists and three blocks.

Ron Harper Jr. led Maine with 24 points, six rebounds, two steals and two blocks. Tosan Evbuomwan added 19 points and 14 rebounds in the win.