Nate Sloane scored 19 points to lead Colts Neck to a tight 54-53 victory over Middletown North in a Shore Conference B North Division matchup in Colts Neck.
Dillon Younger added 16 points for Colts Neck (10-5), which improved to 5-2 in division play and solidified its second-place position in the B North Division behind Red Bank Catholic (5-1).
Middletown North (5-11) was led by Nate Tyburczy, who finished with 16 points, six assists, and three steals. Eddie Lopez contributed a double-double with 14 points and 12 rebounds for the Lions, who fell to 1-6 in division play.
The game featured dramatic momentum swings throughout. Middletown North took a 26-23 lead into halftime, but Colts Neck dominated the third quarter with a 20-8 run to build a nine-point advantage. The Lions mounted a furious comeback in the fourth quarter, outscoring the Cougars 19-11, but fell just short in the final moments.
Colts Neck’s victory was aided by strong free-throw shooting, as the team converted 13 of 21 attempts from the line.