PORTLAND — Jon Amabile scored 27 points, sparking third- and fourth-quarter spurts that led Deering to a 49-38 win over South Portland in an SMAA boys’ basketball game Tuesday night.

Deering (13-2), the top-ranked team in Western Class A, rebounded from Friday night’s four-point loss to Portland.

The Rams went on a 9-0 run in a three-minute stretch late in the game, expanding a four-point lead to 13.

Amabile started the rally with a steal along the sideline and layup – the first of four straight steals as Deering took advantage of its defensive pressure and quickness.

“We played our brand of basketball in the second half,” said Deering Coach Dan LeGage. “We played like we did earlier in the season. We were a lot looser on offense. We stopped South Portland’s penetration and got in the passing lanes.”

Five points were the most that separated the teams in the first half, and that was early in the game. It was 24-24 at halftime. Deering outscored South Portland (9-6) 25-14 in the second half.

The Red Riots hung with the Rams until ballhandling mistakes, initiated by Deering’s defense, turned the game around.

The Riots played without junior point guard Tanner Hyland, who missed the game because of an uncle’s death.

It was 28-28 late in the third quarter when the Rams closed the quarter with a 9-2 run.

Amabile scored on a layup after a steal. Conner MacVane countered for the Riots with a jumper in the lane, but Amabile hit a 3-pointer from the corner before guard Pat Green scored on consecutive breakaway layups to make it 37-30 after three quarters.

Amabile converted a three-point play at the start of the fourth quarter to give Deering a 10-point lead, but seconds later the Deering bench was called for a technical foul.

Jordan Muller hit two from the line on the technical and the Riots got the ball. Jack Tolan and Ben Burkey followed with baskets for South Portland to make it 40-36.

After holding the ball for close to two minutes, Deering’s second spurt put the game away. Amabile started the run with a basket and finished it with a 3-pointer from the corner. In between were baskets by Cal London – on another steal – and center Labson Abwoch.

“Jon can put the ball in the basket,” said LeGage of the SMAA’s second-leading scorer. “He’s great in the open floor.”

With a slim lead over Portland for No. 1, the win over the No. 7 Riots will be worth some valuable Heal points.

“We needed this win,” said Green. “This is a big lift that will boost our confidence. Our team defense turned the game around. We played defense, rebounded and rotated the ball on offense. That’s what we talked about at halftime.”

Deering got running and took advantage of its athleticism in the second half.

“My kids competed,” said South Portland Coach Phil Conley. “Deering made a couple of shots and we turned the ball over. That was the difference in the game.

“Tolan came up big for us and Muller did a nice job filling in for Hyland at the point. We’re in a tough stretch but it will make us stronger at the end.”

Staff Writer Tom Chard can be contacted at 791-6419 or at: tchard@pressherald.com

Twitter: TomChardPPH