ALBANY COUNTY For once, the Bethlehem boys basketball team came out on the right end of a close game.
Hayden Thompson scored 23 points, and Michael Ortale contributed 22 points to lead the Eagles past Niskayuna 92-91 in triple overtime Tuesday, Jan. 19, in a Suburban Council game in Delmar.
Three more players reached double figures for Bethlehem, which outscored Niskayuna 15-9 in the fourth quarter to force extra time. Luke Dole had 15 points, while Ryan Murphy and Matthew Riker each added 12 points.
Andrew Evans poured in 33 points, and Tommy Kelly chipped in with 29 points for Niskayuna.
It was only Bethlehem’s third win of the season and its first by single digits. On the other side of the coin, seven of the Eagles’ 11 losses this season have been by six or fewer points.
Elsewhere in the Suburban Council, Shaker used a 22-13 third quarter run to defeat Columbia 60-53 in East Greenbush. Brian Hayes had 20 points for the Blue Bison, while Noah Schwenzfeier scored 16 points for the Blue Devils.
Shenendehowa defeated Colonie 63-51 behind 26 points from University of Maryland-bound senior Kevin Huerter. Isaiah Moll’s 20 points paced the Garnet Raiders.
Guilderland built a 38-25 halftime lead on its way to a 71-52 victory over Saratoga Springs. Andrew Sischo poured in 31 points, and Michael Wine chipped in with 15 points for the Dutchmen. Adam Anderson led the Blue Streaks with 14 points.
Christian Brothers Academy went on a 22-9 run in the second quarter on its way to a 77-51 victory at Mohonasen. Mike Wynn led the way with 23 points, and Sloan Seymour added 17 points for the Brothers.