PHOTO: Naz Milien lead all scorers with 24 points
BY CHARLIE ADAMS, TSM LEAD WRITER
(Cranston, RI) - The Thunderbolts boys’ basketball team returned on Monday to action following a game they’d like to quickly move past on the road against East Providence (84-48 blowout loss). The East did that and more against the “varsity squad” from St. Andrew’s. Senior guard Naz Milien led the way with 24 points, and was the difference maker on the floor, leading Cranston East to a 68-62 victory.
The Bolts led from start to finish, getting contributions from everyone on the roster.
The first eight minutes of play saw the Thunderbolts race out to a 15-2 lead. Forcing turnovers created easy fast-break opportunities for East. Milien led the quarter with 10 points, as East led by eleven after one period, 18-7.
Scoring decreased to start the second quarter, but once starters checked back into the game, it returned to normal. Milien finished the first half with 16 points as the Thunderbolts led, 29-21.
The ‘Bolts came out of the half swinging in the second half, with three different players making their shots from deep. A buzzer-beating layup by Jaden Quiamco capped their 21-point quarter, and the Thunderbolts held a commanding 50-35 lead after three quarters.
St. Andrew’s three-pointers tightened the contest up, but East held up when it came down to making their free throws to secure the 68-62 victory.
The Thunderbolts' take on one of the state's best, heading into “Rams Country” Wednesday to take on LaSalle at 7. It doesn’t get any easier when the ‘Bolts are back in town on Friday to face an explosive Central team at 7.
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