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When Portland and South Portland combined for 22 points in the first half — just six by the higher-seeded Red Riots — the talk along press row at the Portland Expo was predictable.

“Setting the game back 40 years,” was said with a chuckle. And, accurately, the phrases, “So many turnovers” (by South Portland) and “Such poor shooting” (by Portland).

But there were two compelling subplots that went a long way toward explaining why No. 6 Portland claimed a 34-33 victory in its Class A South quarterfinal on Saturday and third-seeded South Portland (15-4) is finished in 2025-26.

Neither was flashy. Gritty and getting the job done. That’s what Cordell Jones and Benilson Lumani accomplished. Both in their own ways.

JONES VS. JOHNSON

For Jones, it was a 1-on-1 matchup within a team game, as he and South Portland’s Darius Johnson guarded, leaned o, and competed heads-up for the entire game.

“That’s what good players do. We battle each other every time we play,” Jones said.

Both are strong basketball players who are better football players. Jones, at 6-foot-3, will be a wide receiver/defensive back at the University of Maine. Similarly, the 6-5 Johnson could end up playing a variety of position for Army, but is seen as a wide receiver.

Johnson said he thought it was “cool” to compete against Jones, “one more time because we’ve been playing against each other since middle school.”

Both players consider the other a friend and knew Saturday would likely be the final time they’d go head-to-head. Jones has competed in track and field in the spring. Johnson has not played a spring sport but said he might give lacrosse a try.

“It’s definitely emotional when you know you’re going to play someone for the last time,” Jones said.

Jones and Portland had the upper hand in football, going to three consecutive Class A championship games and winning it all in 2024 when Jones was a junior. On the basketball court, Johnson developed into an 18-point-per-game scorer who led Class A South with over 11 rebounds a game.

On Saturday, Jones was able to limit Johnson to just five points on five shot attempts. He did it by battling for each inch, often diving to the floor to deflect the ball away from South Portland or to a teammate. Jones’ stat line was solid: seven points, eight rebounds, three steals. His impact was greater.

“I thought Cordell’s effort on Darius was the best defensive effort I’ve seen anybody play this year,” said Portland coach Joe Russo. “Cordell on Darius, Division I athlete vs. Division I athlete, those two guys are as athletic as a son of a gun.”

LUMANI RETURNS

Benilson Lumani was most noticeable this season by his two-week absence. When you’re a 6-foot-7 senior but not on the court, you’re missed. Lumani was not coming to practice when U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations in Maine were at their height. Like many students in Portland, Lumani and his family felt it was not safe for him to be leaving the house.

“I wasn’t here for a couple of games because of the situation of ICE and that it may not be safe to go outside and go to games,” Lumani said on Saturday, shortly after his 13-point, four-block effort. “But I’m back because my team needs me and I’m feeling safer. And my coach, Coach Russo, he’s there to protect me.”

Lumani was protecting the rim on Saturday. In short order, he had a blocked shot, a bucket on an offensive rebound, and a steal, helping to set the defense-first tone of the game. His last of six baskets — two more than any other player made — pushed Portland’s lead to 31-21.

“Even when he doesn’t block a shot, I know the other team knows he’s there and they get scared,” said Portland senior guard Loic Ramazani. “When Benilson gets a block, we’re all excited. We’re excited to play defense.”

Russo said it was tough for the team, tougher for Lumani, when he “had to take that two-week break.” Now the veteran coach sees a young man who wants to seize the moment.

“He’s doing wonderful in the situation he’s in. I know he was waiting for today.”

Now Lumani, Jones and the rest of the Bulldogs are waiting for at least one more game.