PORTLAND – Jeff Gelinas scored a game-high 17 points Friday night to lead Thornton Academy to a 46-45 victory against Cheverus in a Southern Maine Activities Association boys’ basketball game at Keegan Gymnasium.

“We came in knowing they’re one of the best teams in the state,” said Gelinas, who had 13 points in the opening half. “We had to play defense all game. We won all four quarters and we came out on top.”

The game had a tournament-type feel to it.

Cheverus (12-4) erased a 41-37 deficit after three quarters with a late rally that produced a 45-44 lead with 1:44 remaining.

That stood until the Stags had an inbounds play deep in the Golden Trojans’ end with 22.2 seconds left.

Thornton Academy (11-5) defended and didn’t allow Cam Olsen to get the ball back in play and the Trojans took over possession.

When play resumed, Adam Ek was fouled as he brought the ball up the floor. He drained both of his shots to give the Trojans a 46-45 lead with 9.5 seconds left.

Drew Ferrick had a final chance for the Stags, but his shot from outside as time expired hit the rim.

“We talk about it all the time,” said Thornton Academy Coach Bob Davies. “It’s being focused for four quarters in every situation we’re in.

“When you play against the top teams like Cheverus, if you’re not focused they’re going to beat you. If you’re not focused for two plays they’re going to get four points and now you’re in trouble.”

The teams traded the lead back and forth in the early stages of the game before Thornton gained the upper hand.

A 10-5 run that started midway through the opening period put the Trojans ahead 16-11 with just over a minute remaining in the first. But the Stags closed the gap when Louie DiStasio scored twice in the final minute to leave the Trojans ahead 16-15 after one.

The Trojans, who went 5 of 7 from 3-point distance in the first half, pushed again in the second quarter and opened a 30-22 lead with 3:39 left in the period.

The run was sparked by Gelinas, who scored two 3-pointers in helping Thornton into its biggest lead of the game.

“I pride myself on versatility and I believe I can do it all,” said Gelinas, who was a presence under the basket as well as from outside.

“I just try to do what I can when I get the ball and help everyone else out, too.”

The Trojans gave half of their lead back with back-to-back turnovers late in the first half. The two mistakes led to two more baskets by DiStasio, who scored 13 in the game to lead the Stags. Thornton Academy led 30-26 at the break.

“It was a very physical game and they outplayed us in the first half,” said Cheverus Coach Bob Brown.

“I thought the kids did well to come back at the end of the game. Then we made some critical mistakes at the end and gave them a chance to win.”