A 23-7 lead in the first quarter helped Rye Garnets boys basketball defeat the visiting Port Chester Rams 56-48 Wednesday.
The Rams limited the Garnets to six points in the second quarter, but the Garnets still entered halftime with a 29-23 lead.
Unselfish play with the ball and communication proved crucial out of the break, as the Garnets led 43-35 heading into the fourth quarter. The team increased its lead to double digits, winning by 12 points despite the Rams' attempt at a rally in the final period.
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"They shared the ball," Rye Head Coach Chris DiCintio said of his players. "They played together as a team."
Port Chester Head Coach Craig Holcomb said the absence of an injured center added to the Rams struggles on offense.
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"We shot from the perimeter but couldn't get any inside [of the key]," he said. "We just couldn't sustain."
Sophomore Max Twyman led the Garnets with 23 points, 12 coming in the first half to go along with 4 steals. Senior Brian Pickup had a good all-around game, with seven points, 14 rebounds and five assists. Senior Conor Smith scored 11 points and four steals.
David Ronas had 17 points for the Rams.
The Garnets are 3-2 this season. It lost to Blind Brook 38-37 on Dec. 10 and to Brewster 45-41 in Saturday's Panas Holiday Tournament championship game.
Rye next competes against Sacred Heart in an away game on Jan. 4. The Garnets then travel to Fox Lane High School on Jan. 5.
After four straight losses to Byram Hills (65-60) Monday, Woodlands (46-40) Friday, Blind Brook Tuesday (44-36), and most recently, Rye, the Rams have time off to prepare for a Jan. 5 game against the Harrison Huskies.
