Celtics top Skyhawks 121-115 to close homestand

COLLEGE PARK, Ga. — The Maine Celtics built a large early lead and held off a late rally from the College Park Skyhawks for a 121-115 victory, closing out College Park’s five-game homestand.

Maine (8-5) used a 13-0 run to take a 42-28 lead after the first quarter and extended the margin to 73-49 by halftime. Five Celtics players scored in double figures in the first half.

College Park (4-10) began to close the gap in the third quarter, outscoring Maine 29-25 but still trailing 98-78 entering the fourth.

The Skyhawks rallied from a 21-point deficit in the final period, fueled by 15 fourth-quarter points from Asa Newell and 13 from RayJ Dennis. College Park used a 13-0 run to cut the deficit to three points and later pulled within 112-111 with 1:20 remaining.

Maine responded with late 3-pointers from Hayden Gray to secure the win.

Newell, on assignment from the Atlanta Hawks, recorded his first NBA G League double-double with career highs of 29 points and 12 rebounds. He added seven assists, three steals and three blocks in 35 minutes. Dennis finished with 21 points, seven assists and six rebounds.

Gray led Maine with 23 points, 11 assists and eight rebounds.