PORTLAND, Maine (Interstat) — In a high-octane G League shootout defined by explosive runs and a frantic final minute, the Maine Celtics outlasted the Greensboro Swarm 147-138 on Sunday at the Portland Exposition Building.

The game, a rematch of Greensboro’s victory just two days prior, saw the Celtics overcome a torrid start by the visitors. The Swarm erupted for 44 points in the first quarter, led by center P.J. Hall’s dominant inside presence and efficient scoring from Liam McNeeley. Despite the early barrage, Maine stayed within striking distance, trailing 77-78 at halftime after a 40-point second quarter of their own.

The most critical phase of the contest came in the fourth quarter. After Greensboro closed the gap to 122-124 with just over six minutes remaining, Maine’s backcourt took over. Point guard Max Shulga, the game’s standout performer, engineered a decisive 13-2 run. He assisted on a Pedro Bradshaw 3-pointer, hit a driving layup and then found Tosan Evbuomwan for another three, pushing the Celtics’ lead to 136-124 with 3:57 left. Shulga, who finished with 33 points and 13 assists, was the catalyst, consistently answering Swarm baskets with timely playmaking and scoring.

Greensboro, led by Hall’s 29 points and 12 rebounds and McNeeley’s 28 points, refused to capitulate. A quick 8-0 Swarm run, capped by a McNeeley 3-pointer, cut the deficit to 138-141 with 1:29 remaining. The final minute became a parade to the free-throw line, with Maine converting six of eight attempts to seal the victory. Evbuomwan, who scored 34 points and dished out 10 assists, and Bradshaw, who added 16 points and seven rebounds, were crucial in closing out the game.

The Celtics improved to 18-11 across all competitions, while the Swarm fell to 20-8. The teams have now split their four meetings this season, with each contest decided by 10 points or fewer.

Shulga’s double-double was his second stellar performance against Greensboro in three days, following a 21-point, eight-assist effort in Friday’s loss. Hall’s double-double anchored the Swarm, supported by 15 points and seven assists from Marcus Garrett.

The game’s offensive fireworks were evident in the quarter-by-quarter totals, with Maine posting 40 points in the second and 42 in the fourth, while Greensboro’s 44-point first quarter set the tone for the track meet. Ultimately, Maine’s ability to sustain offensive pressure and execute in the final minutes proved the difference in a contest where defensive stops were at a premium.