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PROVIDENCE — After 49 straight wins the Putnam Science Academy Prep Mustangs suffered defeat last week at the hands of Sunrise Christian Academy. The National Prep School Invitational held at Rhode Island College saw all of the top prep schools take the floor to showcase their skills. The Mustangs rode in 25-0, winners of their last 49 including a win earlier in the season over Sunrise 85-82 that went into overtime.
Sunrise made sure to not let this game get away.
The Mustangs didn’t have enough in the tank late in the second half as a 2-point lead with 4 minutes left, turned into a 15-point loss 75-60. PSA struggled, shooting from outside finishing 3 for 17 and were never in rhythm.
“We just lacked effort,” said Head Coach Tom Espinosa. “We couldn’t match their effort level, intensity wasn’t there. It’s hard to bring it for 40 games in a season and this was one of those games that we didn’t bring it.”
Russell Tchewa was a force for the Mustangs in the early going on his way to 14 points, later being named to the National Prep School Invitational All Star team. Tyson Etienne led the team in the loss with 15. Michigan State commit Malik Hall dominated for Sunrise with 22 points and 13 rebounds.
The team had started the week with a home win over Hoosac 108-81. After the win streak was lost to Sunrise Christian Academy the Mustangs bounced back with a 62-56 win over NBA Academy Latin America after Russell Tchewa continued his eye-opening weekend adding 16 points and 6 rebounds. Now 26-1 on the season, the Mustangs will stay out on the road for a game against Navy Prep and Masters School this week.
Varsity Wins
This past Sunday saw a thriller at Putnam Science Academy when the Varsity boys’ team won on a buzzer beater 81-79 vs Post University JV team. 2019 forward Elliot Germond scooped up a loose ball with 2 seconds left and fired from the elbow as time expired to give the Mustangs their 14th win (14-7), fifth in a row. Tyler Henry led PSA with 27 points, his third consecutive 20-point game. The Varsity team gears up for a three-game week that features an away game at Pomfret at 4:30 p.m. Feb. 8.
Varsity 2 Wins
One game last week for the Varsity 2 team resulted in a 66-50 win over Bartlett on the road. The Mustangs have won three straight games after a 19-point performance for guard Travis Mangual. Play picks up next week with two back-to-back games Feb. 8 at Rocky Hill and Feb. 9 at home vs New York Military Academy.
Lady Mustangs Lose
Derek Marchione’s Lady Mustangs fell to 14-5 after a road loss to Tilton 74-62. Putnam Science Academy has struggled lately dropping three of its last four games that included a loss in the Rose Classic Super Jam to Crestwood and a split in The Mecca with a winnable game against Westridge Academy. But they bounced back for a 60-52 win against DME Academy. Fatima Lee scored 17 points in the loss and Xianna Josephs added 14 points. It doesn’t get any easier with three games this week.
Varsity Girls Lose
The Varsity girls hosted their lone game of the week Feb. 2 but couldn’t keep up with New York Military Academy, which cruised to an 85-45 win. Nasserine Williams had 8 points at half on her way to a team-high 13 points. PSA will be busier next week with three games lined up and two games on the road vs Redemption Christian Academy and Tabor Academy before hosting New York Military Academy Feb. 9 in a rematch.
Josh Sanchas
Sports Information Director
Putnam Science Academy
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