OP tipped off against a very good Scotch Plains-Fanwood team at 7 PM on Tuesday. SPF entered the game with a pedestrian 6-4 record, but had impressive wins against GL and Westfield. The Rams came into the game scorching hot, winning 6 of 7.

OP got off to a quick 14-4 lead, thanks to a couple of Pirone 3-pointers. Having forced SPF into an early timeout, OP had all the momentum. By the end of the first quarter, the Rams held a 19-10 lead. The second period was a lot tighter, with SPF actually outscoring OP. But by halftime, the Rams still had an 8 point lead. The nail was put into the coffin quickly. An offensive frenzy out of halftime led to OP outscoring the Raiders 21-9 in the third quarter alone. Greg Jones capped off the electric third quarter with a buzzer-beater from well beyond the arch. Holding a 19 point advantage going into the last quarter, the Rowdies brought out the “Warm the buses!” chant. OP was able to close out the final quarter sealing the win.

Surprise, surprise, Mike Pirone led the way for OP. The sharpshooting Junior netted 5 3-pointers en route to a 28 point performance. Greg Jones chipped in 20 points, including three 3-balls. Asher Bradley scored 4 points, but also snatched 2 pairs of ankles with his shifty dribble moves.

This win for OP was very important for their UCC championship hopes. With the win, the Rams hold a commanding lead in the UCC Mountain division. Up next for OP is a road game vs Rahway on Thursday before hosting New Providence on Saturday at 1 PM.