The CCRI men’s basketball team took on the Avengers of ASA College in New York on Saturday in its final game before the postseason. The game was a back-and-forth affair, with the Knights coming out on top in the end, 86-77. The victory was the Knights’ 10th in a row, improving their record to 19-8 overall.

In the beginning of the game, the Knights created all of the momentum. After a quick back-and-forth, the Knights took the lead at 9-8. After the one-point lead was created, the Knights went on a monster 33-6 run. The Knights opened up the score to 42-14 with about seven minutes remaining in the first half. The Knights were playing strong defense and were able to score easily during this frame. As the half closed down, the Knights gave up some points, but were still in control at halftime with the score being 53-28.

In the second half, the Knights continued their strong play. The Avengers were able to make a late run to try and close the gap, but the Knights never surrendered the lead. Late in the game, the lead was cut to six by the Avengers. Feeling the pressure, the Knights put the game in the hands of one of their co-captains, Adrian La Fleur (Sydney Australia), who hit a clutch 3-pointer to extend the lead back to nine. After this, the Knights never looked back and closed out the victory comfortably.

The Knights had five players in double figures, and two with double-doubles. La Fleur led all Knights’ scorers with 21 points, including five 3-pointers while dishing out 12 assists on the day. Grant Gillis (Jamestown, Rhode Island) scored 15 points and ripped down 14 rebounds on the day for the team’s second double-double. Edvaldo Ferreira (Praia, Cape Verde) did not take part in the second half, but still managed a strong showing with 13 points on 100 percent shooting (5-of-5) from the floor, as well as blocking eight shots. Kevin Paygai (West Warwick, Rhode Island) chipped in with 12 points, eight rebounds and five assists, while Elijah Vazquez (Woonsocket, Rhode Island) returned from minor injury to score 11 points, including three 3-pointers.

Head Coach Rick Harris was very happy with the team’s performance on Saturday, as well as throughout the season. He said it was a “nice way to end the season today with our 10th straight victory over a Division I opponent. The team has come together nicely as the season has progressed. They play as a team and pull for each other.” 

The team will need to work together going forward as it looks ahead to the postseason.

The Knights will travel to New York to take part in the Region III Tournament/District II. The winner of this tournament will go on to take part in the national tournament. The Knights play their first game Friday night at 5:30 p.m. when they take on Region III No. 5 seed Erie Community College (15-12).