The Pine Tree Academy varsity basketball team (Freeport, ME) will face Buckfield (ME) in a neutral-site playoff game today at 1:30 PM. This matchup is part of the 2025 MPA Boys’ Basketball Championships presented by Ware-Butler Building Supply – Class D tournament.
Pine Tree Academy vs Buckfield Game Info:
What: Maine High School Basketball
Who: Pine Tree Academy (ME) vs Buckfield (ME)
When: Monday, February 17, 2025
Time: 1:30 p.m. ET
Bracket: 2025 MPA Boys’ Basketball Championships presented by Ware-Butler Building Supply – Class D
Live stream: Watch here
Game preview: Pine Tree Academy vs Buckfield
The Buckfield and Pine Tree Academy varsity basketball teams are set to face off in a highly anticipated neutral-site playoff game today at 1:30 PM. Both teams have had competitive seasons, each securing a victory over the other in their two previous matchups, making this a decisive rubber match with high stakes.
Season Overview
Buckfield enters the matchup with a 10-9 overall record, including a solid 10-5 mark in regional play. The team has been strong at home (7-3) but has struggled on the road (2-6). Pine Tree Academy boasts a slightly better 13-9 overall record and an 11-5 mark in the region. PTA has been effective at home (6-2) but more balanced on the road (5-5).
Head-to-Head Matchups
- December 19, 2024: Pine Tree Academy defeated Buckfield 64-53 in Freeport.
- January 30, 2025: Buckfield responded with a dominant 78-56 victory at home.
With each team winning on its home court, the neutral-site playoff game will serve as the ultimate test to determine the better squad.
Scoring Trends
Buckfield holds an edge in scoring, averaging 64.3 points per game compared to Pine Tree Academy’s 55.3. PTA has shown strong second and third-quarter performances, averaging 9.0 and 12.0 points respectively, but their fourth-quarter average (0.5 points) suggests potential struggles closing out games.
Common Opponents Performance
Buckfield has a 9-8 record against common opponents, while Pine Tree Academy has performed slightly better at 10-6. Notable performances include:
- Both teams secured wins against Islesboro Central and Rangeley Lakes.
- Buckfield struggled against Telstar (0-2), while PTA split their matchups (1-1).
- PTA defeated Wiscasset convincingly (73-45), while Buckfield narrowly won (59-55).
Keys to Victory
- Buckfield: Needs to maintain their scoring efficiency and capitalize on PTA’s late-game struggles. Limiting turnovers and controlling the tempo will be crucial.
- Pine Tree Academy: Must improve fourth-quarter execution and rely on their balanced scoring approach. A strong defensive performance will be key in slowing down Buckfield’s offensive attack.
Final Thoughts
With both teams splitting their regular-season matchups and posting similar records against common opponents, this playoff game is expected to be an exciting and tightly contested battle. The winner will not only gain bragging rights but also advance deeper into the postseason. Tip-off is just hours away—expect a thriller in this rubber match!
