Staples’ Sam Clachko goes up for two points during second-round state tournament victory against RHAM on Thursday. / Photo by Chris Greer

WESTPORT — The Staples High boys basketball team, No. 7 seed in the Division II State Tournament bracket, outlasted No. 23 RHAM, 69-62, in the second round Thursday

.With the win, the FCIAC runners-up keep their strong season going with a quarterfinal-round visit to No. 2 Holy Cross in Waterbury at 7 p.m. Monday, March 13.

— Andy Hutchison