The defending champion Bishop Hendricken basketball team escaped Cranston East with a 37-35 victory in its season opener on Tuesday night.

Trailing 37-35, the Bolts had one last chance to either tie or take the lead with less than 10 seconds remaining in regulation. After calling a timeout, East would draw up a play in Hawks territory and get a shot off, but it would bounce off the rim as time expired.

Hendricken’s game plan was simple heading into the final possession.

“Try to get a stop and not let the shot fall in,” said senior Rushaune Vilane.

The Hawks have a new look this season as they graduated all five of last year’s starters. The lineup turnover was apparent throughout the contest, as the Hendricken offense struggled to find consistency from the start. The score was tied 11-11 at the halftime break and was 25-25 heading into the final quarter. Neither team led by more than five points.

“We were able to pull it together in the end but it was discombobulated at the start. We just need to get back to practice, get back to the drawing board so we can figure out what’s happening and we can play together as one,” said Vilane after the game.

The Hawks also struggled at the free throw line in the first half, shooting just 3-for-11.

Will Cary led Hendricken with eight points scored while Jakob Reyes added seven and Jeremy Redd six. Drew Barionnette led East with a game-high 11 points while Juel Goris scored nine for the Bolts.

Despite the lackluster performance on offense, the Hawks defense showed up and dominated the paint and glass. Vilane and Redd provided size in the front court for the Hawks and forced the Bolts to shoot from the outside. East shot well from distance as 18 of its points came on 3-pointers, but its lack of presence in the paint was a factor all evening.

Vilane felt that the Hawks could have – and should have – done even more on the defensive end.

“It was important to show toughness, but we didn’t show it tonight. We’ve just got to get back to practice and work hard,” Vilane said.

Hendricken improved to 1-0 with the victory and will next take on Portsmouth at home on Friday.

Although Hendricken was happy to get a tough win on the road to tip off its season, the players felt disappointed with the outing and that the game should not have been as close as it ultimately was.

“We didn’t win this game, Cranston East lost it,” Vilane said.