The Cranston West girls’ basketball team couldn’t contain Cumberland senior point guard Julianne Ross on Friday night, as Ross poured in a game-high 20 points in a low-scoring, 38-32 win for the Clippers.

The Falcons trailed, 24-12, on their home court at the half, but sophomore forward Katie Blake helped her team make a push in the second half. West ultimately outscored Cumberland, 20-14, after halftime, as its comeback bid fell just short.

Blake posted 14 points and 10 boards, while senior captain Savannah Bissitt contributed eight points of her own.

The Falcons will try to hand La Salle its first loss of the season on Tuesday at 7 p.m.

’Bolts fall to unbeaten Rams

Defending state champion La Salle raced out to a 15-point advantage by halftime, and ultimately went on to hold off the Cranston East girls’ basketball team, 55-41, on Friday night.

The ’Bolts played better on their home court in the second half, outpacing La Salle, 27-26, but the first-half damage was too much to overcome.

Senior guards Sarah Coutu (16) and McKenzie Richards were the only East players in double figures, while La Salle’s Christina Kizer (16) and Jayme DeCesare led their respective team.

The loss was East’s second consecutive division defeat, dropping it to 1-2.

The ’Bolts were looking to get back on track against Lincoln in the opening round of their holiday tournament on Tuesday. Results were unavailable at press time.

East’s next league game will be Tuesday when it hosts winless Smithfield at 7 p.m.

Falcons let lead slip away

The Cranston West boys’ basketball team put itself in a good position to grab its first Division I win of the season last Thursday, taking a 48-33 lead into the locker room at halftime against Coventry.

However, the Oakers came out on fire in the second half, outscoring the visiting Falcons, 42-22, en route to a 75-70 victory.

West struggled mightily at the free throw stripe in the loss, netting just 10 of 22 attempts at the line.

Senior forward Brett Bucci led West with a team-high 17 points. Chris Manfredo (12) and Brett Traficante (11) were the only other Falcons in double figures.

Coventry posted a more balanced attack, with Josh Najarian, Lucas Martin and Troy Osterhout chipping in with 19 points apiece.

West was set to take on East Greenwich in the opening round of the Cranston East Holiday Tournament on Tuesday, but results were unavailable at press time. The title game was scheduled for Wednesday at 7 p.m.

The Falcons will also be hosting Johnston in a non-league matchup on Friday evening at 7 p.m.