PORTLAND, Maine (Interstat) — The Maine Celtics withstood a furious fourth-quarter rally from the Grand Rapids Gold to secure a 96-91 victory in a G League matchup Friday night at the Portland Exposition Building.

The game turned on a dramatic final sequence after Grand Rapids, which trailed by as many as 18 points in the second half, clawed back to within a single possession in the closing seconds.

With Maine leading 93-91 and 8 seconds remaining, Grand Rapids’ DaRon Holmes committed a critical turnover, his pass stolen by Maine’s Keon Johnson. Johnson was fouled and made the first of two free throws to extend the lead to three. After he missed the second, Grand Rapids secured the rebound and called timeout with 8 seconds left to set up a potential game-tying play.

Out of the timeout, Grand Rapids guard Javante McCoy missed a 12-foot jumper. Maine’s Jalen Bridges grabbed the defensive rebound and was immediately fouled with 4 seconds on the clock. Bridges made the first free throw to push the lead to 95-91 and intentionally missed the second, but Grand Rapids’ Coleman Hawkins secured the rebound. Grand Rapids’ Curtis Jones then made a layup at the buzzer for the final margin.

The frantic finish capped a remarkable comeback attempt by the Gold, who were dominated through three quarters. Grand Rapids scored only 15 points in the third quarter and entered the fourth trailing 70-54. The Gold then erupted for 37 points in the final period, largely behind the hot shooting of Holmes. The Grand Rapids forward connected on multiple three-pointers during the surge, pulling his team within striking distance repeatedly in the final minutes.

Maine built its substantial lead with balanced scoring and controlled play, particularly in the middle quarters where they outscored Grand Rapids 51-34. The Celtics’ backcourt of Hayden Gray and Keon Johnson facilitated the offense, while Hason Ward provided interior presence with multiple blocks and rebounds.

The win improved Maine’s record to 24 wins and 21 losses, solidifying its position in the G League standings. Grand Rapids, which has lost three straight and eight of its last ten, fell to 19-26. The Celtics avenged an overtime loss to the Gold from Jan. 29.

Both teams return to action Sunday. Maine travels to face the Birmingham Squadron, while Grand Rapids hosts the Oklahoma City Blue.