Freehold Township Boys Top Howell 47-35

HOWELL -- With the score tied at eight late in the first quarter, Howell's Ryan Keegan made a diving attempt to corral a loose ball at mid-court.

Not only did the Patriots (10-12) earn the possession, but Keegan came up holding his side and met with trainers, coming out of the game.

After missing the second quarter, he tried to make a comeback in the second half but lasted only minutes before leaving for an X-RAY at the hopsital as Howell (12-10) fell to Freehold Township, 47-35, Thursday night at Howell High School.

Mike Murphy filled in nicely for Keegan, finishing with a double-double with 14 points and 10 rebounds along with Will Reipe who added six points for Howell.

The Rebels scored 15 points in the second quarter to take a 23-18 lead into the break at half, but the Patriots would out-muscle them throughout the entire second half.

"Losing your best player early on in the game is never in your gameplan," Howell head coach Brian Quick said, "We're not really used to playing without [Ryan Keegan] in the game and it showed out there."

Freehold Township out-scored the Rebels 29-12 in the second half and 12-6 in the fourth quarter as they pulled away late for a much-needed win.

The Patriots jumped out to a 5-0 lead in the third quarter to tie the game, and, after a Howell timeout, would take the lead and never look back for their 10th win of the season.

Raquan Haynes did all he could inside for Howell, netting five points and five rebounds but Township gained too much momentum as the game continued on.

Mike Porter hit a three-pointer in the first quarter, but would be held scoreless from there-on as he endured foul trouble throughout the night.

Brian Jordan scored five points as well, all of which came in the fourth quarter.

"This was a physical, desperate Freehold Township team tonight," Quick said, "They really needed a win and I don't think we'll be as stressed tomorrow [against Wall]."

On Friday, the Patriots play Brick Memorial at home at 5:30 p.m..