MBB Falls Short at NEC

HENNIKER, N.H. – The New England College men's basketball team defeated Mitchell College, 90-74, in New England Collegiate Conference play on Saturday afternoon at Bridges Gym.

With the win, the Pilgrims moved to 18-6 overall and 9-2 in conference action, while the Mariners fell to 10-13 and 7-3 in NECC play.

Four Mitchell starters scored in double figures led by 19 points by Hasani Williams, who also grabbed a team-high eight rebounds. Jalen Benson added 16 points and four assists while Matt Finke and Leonard Williams added 11 and 10 points, respectively. 

Izaia Winston Brooks (19 points) and Calvin Cheek (14 points) led a balanced NEC offense. The Pilgrims outscored Mitchell 36-9 from three-point range and also held a significant advantage in bench scoring (53-10). 

The Pilgrims opened up the game with a 3-0 lead as Joe Fama drained a three. After the Mariners answered right back with five points of their own, NEC responded with another three from Fama before pushing its lead to 11-7. From there both teams exchanged shots for the next nine minutes until the Mariners took a 25-23 lead thanks to two free throws from Finke. Each team then traded baskets down the stretch with neither side quite able to take control. New England College closed out the half with a 5-0 run for a 39-33 lead going into the break. Alonzo Cooper had a well-rounded first half for the Pilgrims with five points, nine rebounds, two assists and two steals.

The second half opened with Winston-Brooks leading the Grims to a 5-0 run by hitting a three-pointer and a fadeaway jumper. NEC later expanded the lead to 75-56 with eight minutes left to play, the largest lead by either team at that point. New England College maintained the lead as Mitchell was unable to slow down the Pilgrims offense. 

Mitchell will next play at Elms College on Wednesday, Februrary 19 at 7 p.m.