In a thrilling finish that went to the wire, Maine-Presque Isle pulled out a nail-biting win at Fort Kent Wednesday evening, 52-51.

The Owls charged out of the gate, grabbing a quick six-point advantage on connections from sophomore Nick Lenhard to sophomore Brandon McGill, and some outside connections from junior Chase Vicaire.

Despite an energetic defensive effort by Maine-Presque Isle, the Bengals were able to keep in striking distance early on the dribble penetration of James Givens.  A late push, however, ushered the Owls to the locker room at half up 28-23.

Maine-Fort Kent went cold at the beginning of the second half, and UMPI used basket attacks from freshman Kevin Collins and rebounding from McGill to build a double-digit lead with twelve minutes remaining in the game. 

The Bengals then increased their pressure and caused some miscues from the Owls, clawing all the way back into the game with four minutes to play when Qaadir Ali tied the game with a pull-up jumper in the lane, 44-44.  

The squads traded scores, but hot free throw shooting by the Bengals gave them a late advantage, 51-49 with under 30 seconds to play.  Maine-Presque Isle set up a flare to freshman Trevor Lovely, but it was guarded, so Lenhard attacked the basket with seven seconds to play, was fouled, and made the running layup.  Lenhard converted the free throw, and Maine-Fort Kent had one last chance.

Ali missed a midrange jumper with two seconds on the clock, and a desperate tip attempt by the Bengals went long as the buzzer sounded, giving the Owls their tenth win of the season.

Maine-Presque Isle next plays Saturday at home in the Pink Out Game vs. Central Maine.  Tip off is set for 6 p.m.