Dunmore Hands Riverside First Loss of the Season in Front of a Packed Court
By: Brad Loff | SportzWire | January 6, 2026 | Photo courtesy SportzWire
DUNMORE — With a packed court and energy pouring from the stands, the Dunmore Bucks rose to the moment Tuesday night, handing the Riverside Vikings their first loss of the season with a 72 to 67 victory in a high intensity Lackawanna League boys basketball matchup.
Dunmore controlled the early pace, using ball movement and spacing to grab a 15 to 12 edge after one quarter before stretching the lead to 33 to 28 at halftime. The Bucks remained patient offensively and made Riverside earn every look, setting the tone in a physical and fast paced first half.
Riverside came out firing after the break, delivering its best stretch of the night in the third quarter. Brayden Rose established himself inside while Nico Antoniacci attacked from the perimeter, powering a 27 point quarter that swung momentum and pulled the Vikings right back into the game.
The final quarter turned into a grind, with both teams trading stops and buckets in front of a roaring crowd. Dunmore responded with composure, executing down the stretch and converting at the free throw line when it mattered most. The Bucks finished 15 of 18 from the stripe, a decisive edge in a game that stayed within reach until the final minutes.
Antoniacci led Riverside with 28 points, while Rose poured in a game high 31, combining for the majority of the Vikings’ scoring. Riverside shot efficiently from the floor but struggled to overcome Dunmore’s ability to close possessions and capitalize at the line.
Dunmore knocked down nine three point baskets and leaned on balanced contributions across the lineup to secure the win. The victory ended Riverside’s undefeated run, but the Vikings showed toughness and poise in a hostile environment and now turn the page as they prepare for their next battle in league play.
Top Performers
Dunmore
Brayden Canavan 20 points
Nate Aviles 15 points
Jimmy Clark 13 points
Carter Sload 9 points
Riverside
Brayden Rose 31 points
Nico Antoniacci 28 points
Kyle Connor 5 points
