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Energy abounds: A full house of about 1,000, electrified by a pair of buzzing student sections, tuned in for the regular season thrilled, making for a spirited Friday night on the MVC hardwood.

ANDOVER — Each time Andover seemed to be on the ropes, Jonathan Rodriguez was there with the big play.

ANDOVER - E.J Perry IV hit a free throw with three minutes left in regulation to score his 1000th career point for Andover, and the Golden Warriors held on down the stretch to take down Methuen, 83-76, Thursday night.

While Andover lost convincingly to New York powerhouse Archbishop Molloy 101-77, EJ Perry IV erupted for a career-high 44 points, which according to Andover coach Dave Fazio is also believed to be a school record.

EJ Perry IV went for 26 points with three 3-pointers and Jonathan Rodriguez scored 21 points with four 3s as Andover crushed Lawrence 81-55. Perry had six rebounds and four assists, while the big fella, Max Beati chipped in 10 points and six boards.

Jonathan Rodriguez scored 18 points with four 3-pointers as Andover held off North Andover and Robbie Couyoumjian (23 points, 5 3-pointers) for a 61-56 win.

Andover's E.J Perry IV had a good look from three to win it at the buzzer for the Golden Warriors, but the shot rimmed out sealing the 55-54 victory for Billerica. Perry IV finished with 14, and Devon Beasley added 13.

Newton South outscored Andover 26-15 in fourth quarter to earn a 64-57 win at the TD Garden. E.J. Perry IV had 17 points, 12 rebounds and 5 assists and Brandon Witten added 14 points. Andover was behind the 8-ball with standout Jonathan Rodriguez fighting foul problems throughout the game. Andover is No. 20 and South No. 19 in the ESPNBoston statewide poll.

Andover got off to an awful start (trailed 21-4) then righted the ship and rolled to an 83-60 win over Chelmsford. E.J. Perry IV had 23 points and big Max Beati made a major impact with 15. Michael Briggs contributed a career-high four points.

Jonathan Rodriguez erupted for 23 points, yanked down six rebounds and skied for an amazing baseline dunk, lifting Andover over North Andover, 64-53. E.J. Perry IV chipped in 13 points and pulled down 11 rebounds. Devon Beasley netted 16 points. Robbie Couyoumjian paced the Knights with 17.