BRISTOL — Huskies big sophomores Jaden Siembab and Jalen Kopecky dominated the boards and the scoreboard as the Huskies beat Ponaganset, 80-72, during a home game on Tuesday night. Siembab playing center, scored 28 points for the Huskies with four three pointers and Kopecky scored 21points including a pair of big foul shots down the stretch. Jade and Jalen are key pieces for our team. They are catalysts for our team both offensively and defensively. The team trusts one another and we made the right plays at the right time,” said head coach Jerry Darious.

Junior captain Cam Santerre added, “They have good skills, they can shoot from the outside and finish down low.”

The Huskies led 40-32 at the half and Siembab came out hot after the break scoring 7 points with a big three pointer as the Huskies stretched their lead to double figures.

The Chieftains made a run and closed to within one, 56-55, with 7 minutes to play, on a big three pointer by Steve Delsesto, launched from well outside the three-point line.

They threatened to take the lead after a Mt. Hope miss, but Junior point guard Cam Santerre blocked a shot under the basket, sped up court and slid a pass to Siembab who buried a three to boost the Huskies lead to 59-55.

“There is nothing that Cam won’t do for the team. He rebounds, guards the big men, he distributes the ball and scores when necessary. He’s a great team player and i appreciate having him on our team,” said the coach.

Another bucket from Siembab underneath made it 61-55, forcing the Chieftains to take a time out with 5 minutes to go.

Delsesto hit another three and kept the Chieftains close until Santerre grabbed another rebound, dribbled up court and buried a three giving the Huskies a 71-67 lead with 2 minutes left in the game.

“We are growing as a team and learning how to play with each other. Our team doesn’t panic. We don’t lose our composure. We know at any point that we are in the game. It’s just a matter of making plays and that’s what happened tonight. We made plays,” said coach Darious,

Playoff picture: The victory improved the Huskies record to 7-6 in D-III and 8-7 overall. The Huskies are looking to get into the playoffs and make some noise said coach Darious.

Scoring: Senior Connor Padovich scored 12 points including a big three pointer in the second half. Santerre scored 17, Siembab scored 28, Kopecky scored 21 and Darious Costa scored 2.