The 2018-19 season for the East Providence High School boys’ basketball team came to a gut-wrenching end Tuesday night, March 5, after the Townies suffered a 63-62 home defeat at the hands of Cumberland in the Open State Tournament qualifying round.
After being down 19 points at halftime, East Providence stormed back in the second half but fell just short as Cumberland advanced to the main draw of the tournament. The Townies and Clippers, Division I foes, tied for the final Open State bid. With the win, Cumberland advanced to face top-seeded Bishop Hendricken in the Sweet 16 Thursday night, March 7. For the E.P., its season came to a close with a 12-13 overall record.
Dion Hazard just about matched his season average in leading the Townies with 19 points. Josh Kauffman had 18 on six 3s. R.J. Pina added 15. Justin Pena chipped in eight.
East Providence, which defeated the Clippers 83-72 late in the regular season, once again struggled to contain Cumberland big man Jackson Zancan, who led all scorers with 22 points Tuesday. He dropped 44 on the Townies in their February 19 meeting. Dante Aviles-Santos added 16 for the victors.

— East Providence Post and eastbayri.com contributing photographer Julie Furtado shot the accompanying gallery of photos.