MATTAPOISETT — After three minutes, Wareham High School led Old Rochester Regional High School’s boys basketball team 8-2 on Friday, Dec. 27.

The six-point Wareham lead matched the largest advantage either team would have for the remainder of a back and forth game which Wareham eventually won, 52-46.

After falling behind 8-2, the Bulldogs scored 10 straight points on their way to a 15-12 lead after one quarter of play.

As both teams retreated to their respective locker rooms at halftime, the scoreboard read 22-22.

Despite a strong defensive effort from the Bulldogs, the two-time defending state champion Vikings snuck out of Old Rochester’s gym victorious.

“They won because they forced more turnovers and they rebounded a little better than us in the first half,” said Old Rochester head coach Steve Carvalho.

The loss drops the Bulldogs’ record to 2-1 on the season following victories over Apponequet High School and Seekonk High School.

Carvalho said the young team will deal with “growing pains” as the season unfolds, but gave credit to the group for its effort.

Wareham sophomore Amare Rose was a thorn in the Bulldogs’ side all night long, scoring over half of his team's points.

“They made some big shots when they needed them, especially Rose,” said Carvalho. “We did not find him early enough.”

Senior Gavin Martin led the Bulldogs with 11 points. Martin is one of two returning starters from Old Rochester’s trip to the state championship game a season ago. The other, senior Zach Mourao, is currently sidelined.

Sophomore Grady Oliveira made three three-pointers for the Bulldogs, including one that tied the game in the fourth quarter.

Despite the loss, Carvalho said the team is learning how to play well together and has shown the ability to come from behind.

“The kids are doing the best they can, we just are who we are right now,” said Carvalho.

Old Rochester and Wareham will have to wait just 2 weeks to see one another as the neighboring schools will meet again on Jan. 8 at Wareham High School.

“We get another shot at them down the street in a few weeks and I look forward to it,” said Carvalho.