RallyNorth.net

METHUEN — His senior basketball season abbreviated to a precious nine games by his commitment to Boston College football, E.J. Perry simply wasn’t about to allow one to be relegated a “consolation” game.

METHUEN – Last week when Methuen and North Andover first faced off, the Rangers needed to erase a 13-point deficit in the final minutes before winning on a buzzer-beating three.

Methuen kept itself in the MVC Large title hunt with a 59-52 win over Haverhill. Kevin Fernandez scored 28 points, and Andrew Marcelino had 22 points with 12 free throws. Methuen can clinch a share of the MVC Large with a win over Central Catholic on Thursday and a loss by Lowell over one of its last two league games.

Methuen erupted for a 26-16 lead after a quarter but Lowell rallied for a 70-61 win. Ranger coach Anthony Faradie said, "Dante Rivera might be out rest of season. He has to go to the doctor tomorrow (Saturday). The trainer thinks it is a sprained MCL." Kevin Fernandez had 16 in the loss.

After knocking off MVC power Lowell on Tuesday, Andover kept it rolling with a 79-62 win over a hot Methuen team. The Warriors hit 13 3-pointers as a team, five of which came from Cedric Gillette, and Devon Beasley led the way with 26 points.

Methuen hit 15 3-pointers, led by six from Kevin Fernandez, as the Rangers rolled over Marshfield 72-37.

Lowell zoomed out to a 26-14 lead in the first quarter and that was the difference in a 72-62 victory over Methuen. Kevin Fernandez led the Rangers (9-2) with 19 points.

Andrew Marcelino and Kevin Fernandez each scored 17 points and Methuen scored a late defensive stop to hold on for a 70-68 victory over Chelmsford.

Andrew Marcelino erupted for 24 points as Methuen earned its fifth straight victory with a 73-53 win over Haverhill.

Methuen boys basketball avenged its Christmas Tourney semifinals loss, beating Andover 76-74. Kevin Fernandez had 24 points and Andrew Marcelino 18 points for Methuen, and Cedric Gillette and Max Beati each had 21 points for Andover. Devon Beasley scored 17 points in season debut for Andover as well.