Knights Register 20th Win Against Warriors 81-71!
02.01.19
JC Santos
Warwick, R.I. – February 1, 2019: The CCRI Knights men's basketball team traveled to Brockton, MA to take on the Warriors of Massasoit Community College. A hard fought battle eventually went way of the Knights as they stretch their winning streak to 10 games. The win improves CCRI's season record to 20-3 overall and 17-2 in Region XXI play.
Similar in fashion to Tuesday's tango versus Springfield Tech, Thursday's evening game against Massasoit proved to be a test of will for the No. 10 nationally ranked Knights. The home Warriors played with immense determination as they are scratching and clawing to secure one of the six Region XXI playoff spots. A give and take first half ended with the Knights leading by a mere 38-35 score line.
The Warriors game plan in the second half appeared to be to slow down the game and try to control the pace of play. At this moment, CCRI went into their pressing defense to counter the slow pace and inject the game with some volatility. The move paid off as mistakes began to be forced by the Knights defense. The Knights built up their largest lead of the game, on top of the Warriors by 16 points, 57-41with 12:32 left in the game. Massasoit would muscle back, drawing within four points, 75-71 with 1:18 remaining. CCRI buckled down, drew fouls and went 6-6 from the line to ice the game. The Knights would win the game 81-71.
The Knights were led by sophomore co-captain JC Santos (East Providence, RI) scoring 24 points and adding eight assists, five rebounds and one steal. Freshman Franklin Udeh (Boston, MA) tallied 13 points, eight rebounds and one steal. Sophomore Jake Gillis (Jamestown, RI) recorded 13 points, six rebounds, three assists and one block. Sophomore co-captain Peter Wilson (Providence, RI) chipped in with 10 points, six assists, four rebounds, three steals and one block.
Head Coach Rick Harris commented: "Had to grind out another strong victory tonight but that is to be expected in our competitive region, especially with three teams in the top ten of the NJCAA weekly poll. Nice to see everyone contribute and Jake Gillis has given us a shot in the arm of energy that we have needed. One more road game Saturday at Quinsigamond and then we can rest up Sunday and watch the Patriots go after a Super Bowl victory!"
The CCRI Knights men's basketball will next be in action as they travel to Worcester, MA on Saturday, February 2 at 12:30 p.m. when they face off with the Wyverns of Quinsigamond Community College.
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The Community College of Rhode Island, New England's largest comprehensive community college, enrolls nearly 15,000 students in credit courses and thousands more in non-credit and job training classes. Its athletic program boasts 12 varsity programs and an academic support program for all student-athletes.