PORTLAND — As wins go, Thornton Academy’s 46-45 toppling of Cheverus, Friday could scarcely be more rousing.

Or emotion.

Adam Ek’s free two throws with 9.5 seconds remaining, plus a pair of key defensive stops, put Thornton over the top and sent joyful Trojans streaming off the bench after the final horn.

“That’s the greatest win of the season, right there,” said Ek, who drained his shots with his team trailing by one point, 45-44. “We played as a team, we got it done. Played four quarters just like coach (Bob Davies) said. We play defense, we rebound, and we run. That’s how we did it.”

Thornton led for most of the contest, but were never able to rest easily.

Still, the Trojans managed to stay calm under pressure in what had the atmosphere of a Western Regional final.

Indeed, the two schools have accounted for the past four Western championships, with Thornton having won it in 2009.

“We came in,” said forward Jeff Gelinas (game high 17 points), “knowing they were one of the best teams in the state. We had to play defense, and we won all four quarters. I think it shows we can play with anyone.”

The Trojans led by 16-15 after one quarter, and 30-16 at the half.

Gelinas led the way during that stretch, netting eight of his 13 first half points in the second quarter.

Justin Pollard hit for eight points in the first stanza, as Thornton sought to establish its scoring presence.

Pollard hit two straight shots to put the Trojans up 5-2, then soon followed with his second 3 pointer to put Thornton back in front, 8-6, with 4:12 remaining in the quarter.

Gelinas netted his first points of the night later in the quarter, polishing off a feed from Ek, then watching a rim-roller drop in while he was being fouled.

He converted the charity throw to make it 16-11.

“I pride myself on my versatility,” said Gelinas. “I believe I can do it all. I just try to do what I can when I get the ball, and help everyone else out, too.”

Thornton’s lead grew to 30-22 in the second quarter, as Gelinas hit a 3 pointer with 2:01 remaining.

However, Cheverus eased back with a pair of baskets from Louis DiStasio (team high 13 points), who matched Gelinas point for point in that half.

Points became harder to come by in the second half as the contest grew more intense.

Thornton was outscored 19-16 after intermission ”“ 8-5 in the fourth quarter ”“ but clung to the lead until Cameron Olson hit two free throws with 1:44 left to put the Stags up by one.

Both teams committed turnovers after that, but it was a costly miscue by the Stags (12-4), forced by Gelinas, with 20 seconds left that put the ball in Ek’s hands.

Ek worked his way down court, then, with time ticking away, he drove to the basket and drew a foul by DiStasio.

That put him at the foul line with the game on the line.

“I was thinking,” he said, “’I’ve got to be clutch. We need this.’ That’s what it came down to.”

The Stags had one last chance, but Thornton buckled down and refused to let them get off a clean shot.

“It was a great Maine high school basketball game,” said Davies. “I would have been proud of my kids either way.”