FORT WAYNE, IN — The Maine Red Claws, presented by Unum, ended a post-season losing streak four years in the making, defeating Fort Wayne in overtime Tuesday night, 110-106. The Red Claws take a 1-0 series lead on the Mad Ants, and can sweep the best-of-three series in Game 2 at the Portland Expo on Monday, April 10.

The win marked the first ever in Red Claws playoff history – Maine was 0-6 all-time in the post-season. The Red Claws lost in overtime in Fort Wayne in 2015, but tonight the tables turned in dramatic fashion.

Demetrius Jackson carried Maine to victory with 30 points (9-16 FG), seven rebounds and six assists in 42 minutes. Jordan Mickey, also on assignment from the Celtics, added 26 points (12-19 FG) and 16 rebounds to go with five blocks. Celtics draft pick Abdel Nader added 23 points, while Jalen Jones recorded a double-double with 10 points and 11 rebounds. Celtics first round draft pick Guerschon Yabusele added six points and two rebounds in 23 minutes.

Fort Wayne was led by NBA veteran Tyler Hansbrough led the Mad Ants with 29 points and 20 rebounds (10 offensive rebounds).

Yabusele opened up the 4th quarter with a slam, and Jackson fol

Hansbrough’s alley-oop opened up the OT period, but Mickey answered with a put back slam to tie it at 101-101. Off a broken play, Mickey’s baseline jumper gave Maine a 103-101 lead. Jackson took over – making two free throws, then throwing in a circus reverse lay-up to put Maine up 107-102. After a wild series of plays, Fort Wayne made it a two point game, but Nader and Jackson made the big free throws down the stretch to ice the game away. Maine out-scored Fort Wayne 11-7 in OT, taking its first lead of the game since 17-16.