The Tiverton boys’ basketball team added a second win in as many games on Friday night, beating Cumberland High School 58-55 in a classic battle on the hardwood. Throughout the game, neither team could build a comfortable lead, with the winning baskets scored in the final seconds of the game.

Alex Cotton came up with 22 points on the night, hitting two of the three 3 point shots attempted and going two for three at the foul line.

Jake Raposa struggled at the foul line, missing four free throw attempts. But his ability to work his way inside, sliding between the Clippers’ defense, enabled him to find open basket, adding 10 points to the score.

The Clippers led 35-31 at the end of the first half, prompting Tiverton’s head coach, David Landoch, to encourage his players to play a more aggressive defense in the second half.

Cumberland continued to score, however, taking advantage of some botched passing attempts by Tiverton, extending their lead to 41-35 before the Tigers found their rhythm.

Tiverton quickly rallied back coming within one point of tying three minutes into the second half. Tied at 47 all, Cotton put the Tigers ahead by two, with the team holding off the Clippers until the final buzzer.

Junior, Tom Murray, sophomore, Brett Martin, and Cotton led the team with 3 points shots. Martin went three for three on his attempts from outside the arc, while Murray made two of his seven attempts.

In an evenly matched game, the Clippers made eight of their 15 three point attempts.

“We moved the ball well,” said Mr. Landoch, happy that the team added a win to its record. “We weren’t aggressive enough on defense.”

What he would like to see on the court is to have his players talk more.

“Communication will bring about a more aggressive defense,” he said.

The Tigers’ next challenge will come on Tuesday, Jan. 28 when they travel to North Providence High School whose record currently stands at 5-2.

After Friday’s win, the Tigers’ record improved to 3-5 in Division 2 East.