Courtesy photo Alpena guard Bryton Nostrant drives to the basket for a highly contested layup. The Wildcats defeated the Sault Area Blue Devils 51-46 on Tuesday night.

SAULT STE. MARIE – The Alpena Wildcats boys basketball team, 9-8, won a thriller in The SAult Ste. Marie against the Sault Area Blue Devils, 2-13, 51-46 on Tuesday night.

It was a back-and-forth battle throughout the game. Both teams held on to narrow leads in the first half of play.

The score at the end of the first quarter of play was 11-10, Blue Devils. Going into the half-time intermission Alpena held a two-point lead 19-17.

This would continue for the remainder of the game.

The momentum swung in the Wildcats favor in the fourth quarter, Junior Chase Coulon hit a big three-pointer to give Alpena the lead, 46-43.

On the next possession, clinging to a three-point lead, sophomore Wildcat Kyler Peterson stole a pass and took it coast-to-coast for the lay-up, extending the lead to 48-43.

Alpena Head Coach Evan Neff discussed his team’s performance.

“It was a tough win against a very physical and well-prepared opponent,” Neff said.

Bryton Nostrant led all Alpena scorers with 19 points.

Alpena will host Traverse City West tonight; with tip-off is set for 7 p.m..