The Blaine Bengals boys’ basketball team held off two rallies from Centennial on Thursday, and earned a 66-62 victory on an enemy’s home court.  Almost everyone had a hand in the full team effort to knock off their conference-rival Cougars.

The Bengals got off to an early 19-8 lead, but Centennial went off for a 9-0 run on three, three pointers to pull them within one. The game remained close until halftime. It was tied when Blaine’s senior guard Jake Romick(12) knocked down a three pointer to give Blaine a 30-27 lead as they headed to the locker room at halftime.

Throughout the first half, Centennial’s center Quin Peterson(12) was on pace for a double-double, and added a number of blocks.  It didn’t seem like anyone on the Blaine roster would be able to guard Peterson and his 6′ 8″ frame.

The Bengals looked like they made an adjustment at halftime however, because Peterson was denied the ball, and double teamed.  Blaine forced more outside shooting, and the Cougars scored the majority of their second-half points via jump shots.

After leading by as much as twelve in the second half, Blaine once again squandered a healthy lead.  San Becken(12) from Centennial finished off a three point play with less than four minutes left in the game, and pulled his team within four.  Cougar Ben Walker followed up a minute later with a lay up, and Blaine led 61-59.

Centennial’s student section, who call themselves “Cougar Nation,” were yelling and stomping their feet with the hopes of distracting Blaine’s free throw shooters.  However, Blaine captains Kunle Ayinde(12) and Justin Mbanfo(12) both hit a pair of free throws that extended the Bengals’ lead to 65-59.

After a Centennial three point shot, Ayinde hit the second of his two free throws that iced the win for Blaine. They move to 2-0 on the young season. The Cougars are now 0-2.

Next up for the Bengals is their first home game of the season against Henry Sibley in the BHS field house.