In the first match-up since being bounced in the 2013-14 playoffs, Wiscasset and Dirigo boys varsity basketball teams picked up where they left off.

The two teams battled in a physical, defensive effort reminiscent of last year's playoff match-up, and again Dirigo (7-2) was able to muster enough offense for the win over Wiscasset (2-8).

In February 2014, the two teams played a physical, upbeat game that Dirigo would eventually win, 66-56, in the quarterfinals. The Cougars eventually fell to fifth-ranked Maranacook.

Dirigo never trailed, but the game was closer than the 78-54 final score might indicate.

A late Wolverines charge in the first quarter cut Dirigo's lead to 28-17, and Dirigo slowly built its lead from there. Again using the press and trap technique that allowed the Cougars to advance in last year's Western Class C playoffs, Dirigo was able to bottle Wiscasset's ball-handlers at midcourt and capitalize on turnovers.

Wiscasset would begin chipping away at the Cougars' lead in the second half, but Dirigo managed to keep the pressure up for the win.

Dirigo's Riley Robinson was the only Cougars player to score in double digits, but he scored a game-high 30 points to lead the way for Dirigo.

Wiscasset was led by junior Brandon Sprague, who scored 17 points. The sophomore trio of Ethan James (13 points, two blocks), Nate Woodman (seven points) and Kevin Lynch (five points) supplied much of the offense for Wiscasset.

Dirigo will have a big test on Friday, Jan. 9 when the top-ranked Boothbay Region Seahawks travel to Dixfield. Wiscasset will play host on Friday to 0-8 Carrabec.