Team Elite came out firing in the first half of the pivotal league matchup with Team OTE, but couldn’t hang on as a huge second-half surge gave Team OTE the 64-53 win in Atlantic Station.

The win by Team OTE sets up a matchup for first place this Saturday at 7 p.m. with Team Overtime.

Team Elite started out hot in the first half and outscored Team OTE 21-10 in the second quarter to lead by seven at the break. Ausar Thompson was a big reason for the lead as he went 5-6 from the field and had 11 points, three assists and three steals after 16 minutes.

In the third quarter, Team Elite pushed their lead out to double figures behind Byrson Warren’s hot three-point shooting. He hit three triples and Team Elite went into the fourth leading by nine.

Needing a comeback, it was all Team OTE in the fourth quarter as they ramped up the defensive pressure and got in a rhythm on offense. They outscored Team Elite 26-6 in the final frame to get the win, putting them one point behind Team Overtime in the standings.

Team OTE spread the scoring out with four players in double figures. Amen Thompson led them with 14 points. Matt Bewley was right behind him with 13, Johned Walker had 11 and TJ Clark finished with 10.

Clark had a really good all-around game adding four assists, four steals and three rebounds to his 10 points.

Bryson Warren led all scorers in the game with 20. Ausar Thompson was the other Team Elite player in double figures with 14 points.

Saturday night, Team OTE will get a chance to take the lead in the standings from Team Overtime. Tip off is at 7 p.m. at OTE Arena.