Cumberland Clippers (Cumberland, RI) backers were in high spirits Thursday as they witnessed their basketball squad thwart the host Westerly Bulldogs (Westerly, RI), 48-40 in a league bout.

With the win, Cumberland upgrades its record to 7-9 on the season. The Clippers host Bishop Hendricken (Warwick, RI) to clash with the Hawks in a State Championship bout on Wednesday, February 8. The Hawks go into the bout with a record of 15-2. Bishop Hendricken lost 57-52 in their recent non-league bout against Newton North (Newtonville, MA)

Next up, the Bulldogs clash with the Woonsocket Villa Novans (Woonsocket, RI) in a State Championship bout, on Wednesday, February 8. Westerly will attempt to upgrade on its 5-11 season record. The Villa Novans go into the bout with a 6-11 record after their 52-46 league loss to Cranston East (Cranston, RI).