Riverside Scrapes By: Vikings Overcome Rival Blue Devils Late, 68-61
By: Liam H. MacBrien | SportzWire | January 14, 2026 | Photo courtesy Gabi Blasi
In front of a packed and loud Riverside gym, the Vikings outlasted Old Forge 68–61 in a rivalry matchup that delivered playoff level physicality, emotion, and urgency. Riverside trailed for most of the night, absorbed pressure possession after possession, and waited for its opening. When it finally arrived in the fourth quarter, the Vikings took full advantage.
It was never a game about rhythm or finesse, as much as the Vikings tried to make it one. It was about surviving pressure, matching toughness, and responding when momentum was hardest to find.
SUMMARY: Physical, Emotional, and Star Driven
Photographer: Gabi Blasi
From the opening tip, contact defined the night. It seemed every possession was contested. Fouls mounted quickly, and patience was tested on both the benches, and the bleachers. By the fourth quarter, tensions reached a boiling point, resulting in repeating technical fouls on both teams as emotions spilled into the open.
Amid the chaos, Nico Antoniacci once again proved to be Riverside’s saving grace.
The sophomore accounted for a majority of the Vikings’ scoring. In his signature and not too unfamiliar fashion, Nico repeatedly saved stagnant possessions and kept Riverside within reach while trailing through three quarters. Whether he had to attack downhill or create late in the shot clock, Antoniacci was the clear focal point, and he became the difference when Riverside chugged along.
Offensively, the Vikings remain efficient but concentrated. Their scoring load is heavily centered around Antoniacci, who leads the team in PPG, Total Points, Field Goal Percentage, RPG, and more. And when he can produce at a high level, Riverside becomes difficult to contain. That reliance, however, narrows the margin for error, especially against teams capable of forcing the ball out of one player’s hands, and pressuring teams to move the ball around.
Old Forge showed exactly why this balance matters.
The Blue Devils spread scoring across multiple contributors, forcing Riverside to defend the entire floor rather than a single threat. That balance kept Old Forge in control for much of the game and prevented Riverside from creating separation until late. While it did not result in a win, it highlighted how a diversified attack can challenge even the most talented teams.
CONCLUSION: The Fourth Quarter Flip
Photographer: Gabi Blasi
Despite trailing most of the night, Riverside never rushed.
The Vikings tightened defensively, fed off the crowd’s energy, and executed with purpose when the fourth quarter arrived. Once Riverside took the lead, the momentum shifted decisively, and the gym followed. What had been tense turned electric.
That closing stretch defined the game. It was built on composure under pressure, timely shot making, and just enough defensive resistance to close it out.
It was not perfect basketball, but it was winning basketball.
Riverside walked away with a 68–61 rivalry win, another statement result in what continues to be a successful season, and proof that they can grind through adversity even after spending most of the night chasing.
LOOKING AHEAD: Lakeland Looms
Photographer: Gabi Blasi
The celebration will be brief.
Up next for Riverside is Lakeland, a matchup that presents a different kind of challenge.
For the Vikings, the question moving forward is clear. Can others consistently ease the scoring burden when defenses sell out to stop Antoniacci. Against stronger and more prepared opponents, especially as postseason approaches, that answer will matter.
Still, Riverside enters the Lakeland game with momentum, confidence, and a star playing at a high level. If the Vikings can pair their efficiency with broader offensive contributions, they will do more than just survive big games.
And if Tuesday night proved anything, it is this.
When the pressure is real and the margin is thin, Riverside is comfortable being uncomfortable.
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