March 19, 2024

EP Townies beat Central Knights 80-73 Monday night

Townies face Hendricken, LaSalle next week in tough tests on the road

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East Providence beat a determined Central High boys basketball team on Monday night by an 80-73 score. In a Division I-A clash at a crowded East Providence High School gym, the Knights showed the Townies a good shooting eye as they held a 41-36 lead over EP at the half. “Central played well and they have good players. It was a good game all around,” said Townie Head Coach Joe Andrade.

The Townies persevered throughout the game and in the end it was a balanced offensive attack that put EP in the win column. Five Townies hit for double figures with Richard Pina leading the way with 25 points. Brian Taylor (20), Matt DosSantos (14), Josh Kauffman (11) and Justin Pena (10) rounded out the Townie scoring.

Central's Keilon James led all scoring with 27 points. Angel Santiago Mendez added 15 and Manny Kayee tossed in 14 points for the Knights. In all, Central had twelve three-pointers on the night. “It was a great effort by Central. That's a nice team over there. They're a young team with a new coach who is pushing the tempo and their confidence. Our kids responded and played well and we showed some strength in our numbers and our power inside game,” said Andrade.

Coach Andrade told his team after the game that they can't get too high with a good 5-1 start in the division. “I told them that you can't afford to get too excited. Keep working hard, we haven't beat the real top teams yet like Hendricken, LaSalle, Mt. Pleasant, North Kingstown. We haven't beat the upper echelon of the league yet so stay focused,” Andrade told his players. The Townies lost to division leader Hendricken by just 7 points a few weeks ago. “We'll be tested quick as we have Hendricken again and LaSalle both on the road,” said the coach. “We have a good group of kids they listen well, I think we can improve on defense a bit but right now I like our effort.”

Indeed the 5-1 (6-1 overall) Townies will be tested big time next week. East Providence travels to Hendricken on Wednesday, January 22nd for a 6:30 pm game and right back at LaSalle on Friday, January 24th for a 7 pm clash with the Rams.

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