(Interstat) — In a high-scoring G League contest defined by a dominant third-quarter surge, the Long Island Nets outlasted the visiting Maine Celtics 116-109 on Wednesday night at Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum.

The game turned decisively in the third period. After a tightly contested first half that saw Maine take a 59-56 lead into the break, the Nets erupted for 37 points in the third quarter. A 16-2 run midway through the frame, fueled by transition offense and stifling defense, transformed a narrow deficit into a commanding double-digit advantage. The Nets forced several key turnovers during this stretch, converting them into easy baskets at the other end to seize control of the game’s tempo and momentum. Maine’s 24-point output in the quarter was not enough to keep pace, and Long Island carried a 93-83 lead into the final period.

Maine, led by a triple-double from center Amari Williams, mounted a persistent challenge in the fourth quarter, closing the gap to single digits on multiple occasions. Williams, the top star for Maine, finished with 19 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists. Max Shulga added 24 points for the Celtics. However, the Nets consistently answered each Maine push with timely scoring to secure the victory.

Long Island’s win was powered by a game-high 32 points from point guard Ben Saraf. His backcourt mate, Malachi Smith, flirted with a triple-double of his own, contributing 10 points, nine rebounds and nine assists. The Nets also received significant contributions from Chaney Johnson, who scored 19 points and grabbed eight rebounds, and E.J. Liddell, who posted 13 points and nine rebounds.

With the win, Long Island improved its season record to 22 wins and 17 losses. Maine fell to 21-19. The Nets are scheduled to host Grand Rapids on Thursday, while the Celtics will prepare to face Windy City at home on Friday.

The outcome defied the pregame statistical projection from Interstat’s ELO system, which had given Long Island a 74.70 percent probability to win. The game was the first meeting between the two teams this season; Maine had won both matchups during the previous campaign in November 2025.