There’s no official statistic in basketball for “games that feel like the playoffs,” but the Rye boys’ matchup with Harrison on Tuesday was every bit of that. Harrison came in riding a two-game mini win streak, including a statement win over Eastchester. Rye had won four of its past five.
Rye’s defense created multiple stops down the stretch in a tense fourth quarter, forcing Harrison to foul. Two pressurized free throws from senior Jake Kessner with 4 seconds to go sealed the 52-47 win for Rye.
Harrison (7-6) jumped out to an 18-9 first-quarter lead behind the scary good 3-point shooting of junior Matt McCoy. By halftime, Rye (9-4) found its rhythm – and some muscle in the paint from senior Andrew Wilmarth – to trim Harrison’s lead to two, 27-25, at the half.
The third quarter belonged to Rye, as the team went 3-for-3 on 3-pointers and shot a blistering 63% from the field in the quarter.
Kessner led Rye with 16 points, while Wilmarth and sophomore Ben Hudson each added 11.
Rye’s next game is 7 p.m. Friday at Byram Hills. The Garnets will host Harrison for round 2 on Friday night, Feb. 14. Bring a date!
