Archies, Bethel move on in MVRBL

RUMFORD -- In the first round of the playoffs, Archies pulled off a mild upset with an overtime win over Black Bear Industries, 71-68.

Also, Bethel Bobcats defeated The Thundercats, 85-66. Both Laid Back Installers (11-1) and Hotel Rumford (10-2) had first round byes.

Thus, number one seed LBI faces fifth seed Archies (3-10) at 10 a.m. and second seed Hotel Rumford faces third seed Bethel (10-3) at 11:30 in the next round Sunday.

Archies has improved their play all year and, after losing twice to BBI in the regular season, they led most of the game.

After allowing the Black Bears to tie the game at the end of regulation time, they held their composure enough to eek out the win. Black Bear was playing with a diminished roster as several of their big men have been missing the last several weeks, but they had their chances. However, poor shot selection, limited inside play and defensive lapses did them in.

Archies was led by Mike Holmquist with 20 points, Brett Archibauld with 12 and 11 each from Justin Archibauld and Jarrod Chessie. Josh Albee was high man for BBI (4-9) with 27 points and 6 threes and Miles Whitlock had 15.

Bethel used their speed and superior talent to coast past The Thundercats (0-13). Bethel played a little lack luster and allowed The Thundercats to hang around for awhile, but put the game away in the middle of the second half. The Thundercats did show spirit and played their best game of the year.

Bethel's Wade Osgood led the winners with 24 points, Ryan Savage was next with 23 and Matt Zetts added 19. The Thundercats Mike Leclerc had 8 threes and finished with 26 points, while Jessie Cross again had a good game and contributed another 20.