Halftime 39-35 Newport being led by sophomore Daylin Garland with about 15 points.

49-49 with 2:06 in the 3rd

54-49 Holmes end of 3rd

5:26 in the 4th 61-51 Holmes newport is missing too many shots now

Final 72-51 Holmes but it was a much closer game than the score indicates. Holmes had to dig deep.

Garland kept Newport in the game in the first half. He was the best player on the floor. The 2nd half was all Holmes. Holmes wore them down with constant pressure and subs. Newport's shots weren't falling due to fatigue. This was a good test for Holmes Dontae Rice and Hayes had excellent games. I think this will be the MO for Holmes. Good teams will play them close early, but unless they are deep and have two guards that can take care of the ball they will wear you down. There really is not much difference in their top 8 or 9. They are going to have to get better on the boards, they jump extremely well, but can be pushed around.

Garland ended up with 24 points.

I was at the game tonight and saw Kevon Rice in the stands on the Holmes side of the house. Anyone know what his status is for playing somewhere this year or if he will become eligible in January?

Case will be reviewed in a couple of weeks for eligibility. Heard nothing else as to if or when he will play.