Boys Basketball: Blue Waves drop fifth straight

BULLDOGS 67, BLUE WAVES 61

A fast start is nice, but at this point, the Riverhead Blue Waves would prefer a fast finish.

After a back-and-forth first half against North Babylon Tuesday that saw the Blue Waves race out to a 10-0 lead before falling behind by eight, the game came down to one final run. Unfortunately for the Blue Waves, the Bulldogs had the last turn.

Jalen Shelby hit a long 3-pointer to put Riverhead ahead 57-54 with just under four minutes left in the game. The Bulldogs responded with a 13-4 run to knock off the Blue Waves 67-61 and extend Riverhead’s losing streak to five games.

The Blue Waves didn’t help themselves at the free-throw line, shooting just 7 of 17 (41 percent). In the fourth quarter the Blue Waves shot 4 of 23 (17 percent) from the field.

The Blue Waves fell to 0-2 in League III while the Bulldogs are now 2-0.

Ryan Bitzer led the Blue Waves with 17 points. Tim Clement added 14 and Reggie Moore scored 12.

North Babylon got a game-high 18 points from both Fola Branco and Melshawn McPherson.

Riverhead returns to action Thursday at Newfield at 5:45.