It wasn’t until the last of four shots in Saint Louis Park’s final possession rolled off the rim that the Blaine Bengals knew they would be going home as winners on Saturday night.

Fans who filled the Blaine High School field house saw a great non-conference game between the Orioles and Bengals.  Blaine pulled out the 78-76 victory behind Matt Barthels'(11) 28 points and a double-double from captain Justin Mbanfo(12) (15 points, 14 rebounds).

Kashif Hayes was money for the Orioles.  After Blaine had led throughout, including a 44-32 halftime lead, Hayes led his squad back. He completed a three point play with 13 minutes to play in the second half, tying the game at 51.

It was neck and neck the whole way, when Mbanfo stepped to the line with 26 seconds to play. He put Blaine in the lead after making both of his free throws.

Saint Louis Park had one last chance, trailing by two. After a missed three pointer, the Orioles grabbed the rebound. Blaine’s  Jason Travis(11) came up with a huge blocked shot underneath.  However, the Orioles grabbed that rebound too, and wildly shot it, missing. Saint Louis Park grabbed yet another rebound. A contested jump shot at the buzzer hung up on the rim for what seemed like forever.  The crowded gymnasium could finally exhale as the ball dropped off the rim to seal Blaine’s 78-76 victory.

Travis backed up his 22 point perfomance on Friday night with 20 points on Saturday.

Next up for Blaine is Elk River on Tuesday in the BHS field house.

* All player and team stats are unofficial recordings