Kilties Knock Tigers Out of State Tournament, 77-63 [VIDEO]

Despite a 9-0 run of three-point baskets in the second half of Friday's west regional state boys' basketball tournament, 11th-ranked Mount Pleasant was too much for 22nd-ranked , knocking them out with a 77-63 victory. The Kilties advanced to the Sweet 16 and play Feb. 29 at the Community College of Rhode Island against the winner of Bishop Hendricken versus Tolman.

The Tigers' momentum of a 5-0 run to end the season, their last loss coming on Feb. 3 to West Warwick, began to show signs of their . Friday's loss also means Head Coach Gerry Arcouette coached his last game for Tiverton, as he announced his retirement recently.

Kyle Vasconcelos led the Tigers with 19 points on Friday, followed by Jordan Hancock (14), Alex Rosa (11) and Geoff McNally (9).

The Kilties' Kip Stewart led with 28 points, followed by Jovel Beckford (21) and Edward Cooper (9).

Arcouette said Rosa entered Friday's game with an ankle injury making him questionable to play.

"Two days ago it was the size of a grapefruit," he said. "It's a testament of his toughness and leadership abilities."

Offensively, Arcouette said the Kilties just weren't missing their shots and were a little more aggressive on defense.

"I thought there were times we were being fouled, but the refs didn't see it that way," he added. "The first half didn't go as we had hoped but, like the season, we regrouped at halftime and widdled [the lead] down to 10."

The Tigers went into halftime down 43-24, but continued chipping away at the Kilties' lead in the second half. Vasconcelos hit back-to-back three's with 5:13 on the clock, then Hancock hit another three to take it to a 9-0 run. However, the Kilties overpowered at times with offensive rebounds, with key layups to keep the distance. McNally and forward Josh Lis also fought hard for rebounds to keep the Kilties' out of sync in the second half.

Alex Cotton had a questionable offensive foul called that sent the Kilties to the free throw line to keep the lead in tact. Tiverton continued chipping and brought the score to 72-63 with 44 seconds left on the clock, but Mount Pleasant had a block and a steal to keep possession in their favor to run down the clock.

"I think there was a key sequence there where we lost it, and [Mount] got a three," Arcouette added. "If there was more time on the clock, I think we had a shot."

He said there is no need for Tiverton to hang their heads as they battled through their season. The incoming coaches understand there's a lot of work to be one in the off season to get a little stronger, but knows they are up for the challenge, Arcouette said.

"We'll have to wait and see," he said.