SENIOR CAPTAIN Zac Federico had 16 points in Melrose’s victory over Belmont on Tuesday. (Jennifer Gentile photo)

 


firing on all cylinders against Belmont, 74-68

 

By JENNIFER GENTILE

MELROSE—After two straight losses, the Melrose Red Raider basketball team bounced back with a big 74-68 victory over Belmont at home on Tuesday, Jan. 5, in their most impressive win of the season which improves them to 2-4 on their early season.

It was a monster game for sophomore Cam Lippie who had 24 points and a double double. He had plenty of help though, as senior captain Zach Federico had 16 on the night, senior captain Owen Dewey had 13, and fellow senior Max Kirby chipped in with 11.

Belmont took an early lead in the first but Melrose tied things up 5-5 behind the work of Lippie and Federico. An Ellis Davis steal and an assist to Sage Jones put Melrose up, 7-5. Three straight shots and a foul line appearance from Lippie lifted Melrose 3-11 but Belmont would take the edge, 15-13 at the close of the first.

Owen Dewey had a sharp second quarter, fed an assist by Lippie for a layup and then found Federico who shot a three to keep Melrose up 18-17. Federico turned it on and scored a layup on a steal and then a jump shot to put Melrose up 22-17. Lippie remained cool on the foul line but with three minutes left in the half, Belmont tied things up. But baskets from Federico and Sage Jones kept Melrose going. Ellis Davis was smooth on the foul line and a layup by Dewey drew a foul to help Melrose take a 36-33 lead at the half.

Owen Dewey had a strong second half for Melrose, who took leads of 38-36 and 44-42 before Max Kirby, Cam Lippie and Zac Federico closed the door on the Marauders, 74-68.

Belmont, who was 4-2 coming into the game, now holds a record of 4-3. Melrose improves to 2-4 on the season and hope this will be the start of a winning streak. The Red Raiders will travel to Reading on Tuesday for a 6:00 p.m. contest. The Rockets enter the game also 2-4. Melrose was also scheduled to face the Wilmington Wildcats on Thursday (post deadline). See our social media pages for game information and schedule updates.