The O’rena is packed as fans prepare for a show-down.The first points scored at the annual Crosstown Showdown against Rochester give the Falcons a lead right out of the box.

The Highlanders attempt to get their “mojo” back, but are thrown for a loop with Rochester having the advantage. Rochester, already two points ahead, keep on scoring. But a buzzer-beater by senior Joey Ziniti gives Adams a chance at redemption, raising the score at the end of the first quarter to 11-13, RHS.

As the second quarter begins, it is obvious the Falcons are not ready to relinquish their lead. The Falcons are facing guarding senior Spencer Littleson, knowing he is Adams’ main scorer. Littleson shoots an air ball, and the Falcon crowd is quick to respond with chants of “Over-rated!”.  Littleson fights back, responding with a whopping ten points to wrap the half.   With 4:36 left in the first, senior Adam Slating ties the game to 16-16.

Rochester has possession to start the second half.  It is a back-and-forth battle until Adams steps it up takes the lead. Littleson gains possession and shoots a perfect three- pointer, pushing the Highlanders to just one point above the Falcons.

Yet again, Littleson takes hold of the ball and scores two points before senior David Rinke pushes past Rochester defenders to rack up another two points. To finish off the first half, Littleson secures the first half advantage by adding two more points with only a minute remaining on the clock.

Rochester takes the ball to kick off the third quarter. Rinke gets the ball to add two points, propelling the score to 27-22. Rochester seizes the ball and produces two points of their own, but is met with unstoppable motivation and making shots like their lives depend on it.

At 2:59, senior Michael Girdler passes the ball to Ziniti, moving back and sinking a beautiful three-pointer. Ten seconds later, Rochester rams into Ziniti fouling letting him have two free throws. The score is 42-30 with two minutes left to play. Both Rinke and senior Joey Prechtel score two points each to hoist the score to 46-30.

Following a call on the court allowing Adams and Rochester to jump for possession, Littleson takes custody, only to have the ball stolen by Rochester at 5.7 seconds.  The Falcons score two points in the first minute of the fourth; however, the point gain is short lived as Rinke takes the ball and scores two points..

Rochester takes hold of the ball and scores three points. At 1:36  Ziniti puts up two points for the Highlanders. As the game comes to an end, Rochester double teams Littleson leaving  Ziniti open. Rinke passes the ball to Ziniti who sinks the final shot to end the game at 57-45 Highlanders.

Despite a slow start, the Highlanders came out with a win against their crosstown rivals.

“This being my final Crosstown Showdown, I am glad we are walking away with a win,” said  senior captain Spencer Littleson.