Basketball: Saugus boys drop close one to Pentucket

The Saugus High boys basketball team found itself playing catch-up most of the way in a 65-62 loss to Pentucket Thursday at Saugus.The Sachems led briefly in the fourth quarter, but Pentucket seemed to have an answer for every bucket. The visiting Sachems controlled the boards, outrebounding Saugus 41-24. Saugus also struggled a bit at the line, missing eight free throws, including three on the front end of a one-and-one.Joe Bertrand had 22 points for Saugus, Lamarr Jones, 16, and Dan Cacciola, 10. Saugus is 10-10, as is Pentucket, which needed the win to get into the tournament. Both are in Division 3.GIRLS BASKETBALLFenwick 61, Gloucester 24At Bishop Fenwick, the Crusaders kept up the intensity from start to finish with everyone getting into the game and almost everyone scoring. Kate Lipka led the way with 15 points. Gianna Pizzano had 10 and Sam Mancinelli, eight. Sydney Brennan was also effective with eight points. The Crusaders finish the regular season 13-8.Winthrop 44, Somerville 21At Winthrop, the Vikings (19-3) put the finishing touches on a great regular season. Ashelyne Babb had 13 points and Theresa Jones checked in with 12. Winthrop led 22-11 by the half and never let up, outscoring the Highlanders 22-10 in the final two quarters.