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Knights Tame Bulldogs 71-49!

02.13.18

Warwick, R.I. – February 12, 2018: The CCRI men's basketball team traveled to Charlestown, MA to face the Bulldogs of Bunker Hill Community College on Monday Evening. After a challenging first several minutes, the Knights took control of the game and cruised to a 71-49 win. The victory propels CCRI to a 11-12 overall season record and 8-1 conference record.

The Knights found themselves looking to avenge the November 83-81 home overtime loss to the hands of the Bunker Hill Community College (BHCC) Bulldogs. This time on the road, fortune looked brightly, down on the Knights. However, the beginning of the game would seem to be less fortuitous. The Bulldogs came out swinging, jumping to an early 5-0 lead. A few moments later, they kept the pressure on and the scoreboard read 9-3 advantage going the way of the Bulldogs. The Knights would settle down and get to work. CCRI would go on a 23-7 run and with 5:41 left in the first half held the 26-16 lead. After thawing out, the Knights heated up and drained seven first half threes. Dan Grzych (Providence, RI) and J.C. Santos (East Providence, RI) each hit two 3-pointers while Josh Williams (Atlanta, GA) led all scorers with 11 points from the floor. At halftime, CCRI led the Bulldogs 37-18.

CCRI would keep the defensive pressure of the first half going into the second half and enjoyed balance on the offensive side of the ball. Igor Almeida (Praia, Cape Verde) would score all of his eight points in the second half. Almeida would add eight rebounds to his total as well as drawing two charges from the Bulldogs' offense, which has become a specialty of his. Kevin Paygai (West Warwick, RI) had seven second half points and led the Knights in steals on the evening with five. Paygai added a further 10 rebounds and five assists. Chris Garcia (Queens, NY) chipped in with 10 rebounds of his own part of a team effort that saw CCRI grab a total of 54 rebounds (up from an average of 40). Josh Williams finished the game with 21 points, 10 rebounds, five assists and three steals. By spreading the ball and keeping the defensive pressure high, CCRI never let the Bulldogs within 10 points down the stretch. The final score saw CCRI over the Bulldogs 71-49.

Head Coach Rick Harris: "Great to see our guys keep their composure and get through a tough first seven minutes tonight. Of course, our demanding schedule prepares us for all of these scenarios. Solid defense tonight and great team play were the recipe for a Boston victory!"

UP NEXT: The Knights will host the Rams of Springfield Technical Community College from Springfield, MA at 1 p.m. on Saturday February 17 for Sophomore Day.

For all things CCRI Athletics, be sure to follow @CCRIAthletics on Instagram and Twitter!

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.