EAST PROVIDENCE — The East Providence High School boys' basketball team saw its recent five-game winning streak come to a halt over the last week, the Townie, in fact, dropping their latest two Division I outings.

As satisfying a performance as EPHS offered in a 75-70 setback to perennial Interscholastic League power Bishop Hendricken on the road Thursday night, Jan. 18, that's how disappointing was the Townies' lackluster second half effort in a 58-52 home defeat to Cumberland Monday evening, Jan. 22.

East Providence dropped to 6-4 in the league with the setbacks and also fell half-game behind the visiting and likewise 6-4 Clippers into sixth place in D-I standings. Unbeaten Classical reached midweek setting the pace at 11-0. Barrington was second at 9-1 with Hendricken third at 8-1 and LaSalle fourth at 7-1.

East Providence plays another home game this week Wednesday night, Jan. 24, against Westerly, then travels to Woonsocket Friday night, Jan. 24, for a 7 o'clock tip. Next week, EP hosts Classical Tuesday night, Jan. 30, at 6:30. The Townies head to North Kingstown Thursday night, Feb. 1, for a 7 p.m. contest.

The Townies appeared well on their way to getting back into win column earlier this week against the Clippers. EP closed the opening period on a 4-0 spurt to take a 19-15 lead at the end of one. Alex Mulamba and Levi Jacobs accounted for the hoops.

The Townies' run to halftime eventually reached 19-6 as the locals built a 34-21 lead at intermission. EP scored the first six points of the second quarter on buckets by Derrell Liggins and Tyler Gomez and two free throws by Torres. The largest lead the Townies proved to be 15 (34-19) on a Brandyn Van Wagner layup with just under a minute left to go in the half.

Out of the break, both team performed markedly different. The Clippers found the range from the field and upped their defensive intensity while East Providence couldn't muster much on either end of the floor.

Cumberland cut its deficit to 46-42 by the end of the third period. The visitors then outscored their hosts 22-10 over the final eight minutes to complete the rally.

The Clippers took their first lead (49-46) since it was 3-2 on a 3 with about 4:30 remaining. The Townies answered immediately in the form of a Kenaz Ochgwu dunk and transition layup to retake a brief 50-49 edge. Cumberland then responded with a 6-0 spree to secure the win. Ochgwu accounted for all six of EP's points in the period, adding another layup in the waning moments.

Gomez was the lone EP player to reach double figures, finishing with 10. Torres added nine, Ochgwu eight, Van Wagner and Jacobs six each and Braedon Ellis five.

"We reverted to the way we played before our winning streak," EPHS head coach Joe Andrade said of the Cumberland defeat. "We didn't trust each other. We made selfish plays and we were timid. Cumberland is smart. They run their sets, but are also tough. We didn't match their toughness."

— East Providence Post and eastbayri.com contributing photographer Julie Furtado shot the accompanying gallery of photos.