PORTSMOUTH — The Portsmouth High School boys’ varsity basketball team escaped with a 60-58 win over Mt, Hope in the East Bay Holiday Classic tournament at PHS Thursday.

A last-second 3-point attempt by the Huskies didn’t fall, preventing Mt. Hope from nearly coming back after Portsmouth had built a double-digit lead.

The Patriots led at the break, 27-21, but were outscored by the visiting team in the second half, 37-33.

Ben Hurd was the top scorer for Portsmouth, with 21 points. Also contributing on offense were Parker Mason (12 points), Justin Parsons (8), Jack Skrzypiec (7) and Ben Gesmondi (6). Andrew Preuit, Cade McHugh and Tim Chlaupel added 2 points apiece.

Jalen Kopecky led the Huskies’ offense, with 21 points. Other scorers were Cameron Santerre (15 points), Joshua Soares (7), Nathan Ouellette and Xavier Costa (4 apiece), Darious Costa (3), and Jaden Siembab and Michelle Higgins (2 apiece). 

Mt. Hope will play Middletown tonight (Dec. 28) at 5, while Portsmouth faces North Kingstown at 7 to close out the tourney.

Next up

Here are some upcoming games for the Patriots:

• at Prout School on Thursday, Jan. 3, at 7 p.m.

• at home against East Greenwich on Monday, Jan. 7, at 7 p.m.

• at West Warwick on Wednesday, Jan. 9, at 6:30 p.m.