SAUGUS — The Northeastern Conference got a sneak peak of what’s in store as the Big Blue (1-0) traveled to Saugus (0-1) for opening night in boys basketball. The visitors held off a soaring Saugus team to win, 47-45.

With Swampscott leading for the majority of the game and holding a 33-25 lead at halftime, the Sachems had to make some adjustments. 

Saugus coach Joe Bertrand did just that, as his Sachems came out in a zone to give the Big Blue a new look. It worked to their advantage, cutting the lead to three going into the fourth quarter thanks to a 3-pointer from Danny Shea (42-39). 

In the fourth quarter, both sides traded baskets and with 47 seconds left in the game and Swampscott up 47-45, Saugus forced a traveling violation to get the ball back.

Saugus used up some clock before drawing a foul on a layup. Unfortunately for the Sachems, two missed free throws proved to be pivotal as Swampscott held on to its 47-45 lead with just 17.4 seconds remaining. 

Saugus showed its heart until the end as Isaiah Rodriguez stole the ball to give his team one last opportunity to win or to force overtime after a timeout. 

Keeping in mind that heading into the season, Swampscott coach Jason Knowles said defense should be a strength of his program.

He was right. Swampscott didn’t allow Saugus to get a shot off in the final 11.6 seconds.

“In the end, it was all about our defense and will to win,” Knowles said. 

In the first half, it was a battle of two guards between Shea (15 points) and Swampscott’s Connor Chiarello (12). Both showed their range from the outside, as well as their abilities to dissect a defense.

Swampscott’s next game is its home-opener Friday against Gloucester at 7 p.m., while the Sachems play Monday when they travel to Triton with tip-off at 6 p.m. 

Leading scorers (Swampscott)

Liam Wales: 13 

Chiarello: 12 

Jake Collins: 10 

Nakeylen Davis: 10 

Leading scorers (Saugus)

Shea: 15 

Rodriguez: 12 

Huey Josama: 6