MBB Hangs On at Buzzer vs. NEC

HENNIKER, N.H.  — The Mitchell College men's basketball team hung on for an 89-88 victory over New England College on Saturday afternoon at Bridges Gymnasium.

The final moments may have elicited some deja vu for the Mitchell faithful. In the 2020 conference title game—also the last time the two squads met—the Mariners were clipped at the buzzer on a three-pointer by Calvin Cheek. This time around, however, the potential game-winning shot from NEC's Michael Tavilla rattled in and out as time expired.

Mikey Buscetto netted a career-high 32 points to lead all scorers. He shot 6-for-11 from long range and also added eight rebounds, six assists and three steals. Alfonzo Stokes chipped in 13 points while Jalen Benson and Kenny Lewis each contributed 12.

Cheek and Alex Williams each scored 16 points to pace the Pilgrims. Tavilla finished with 14 points and 10 rebounds while Jamal Allen tacked on 12 points. 

The first of three meetings between the two teams featured seven ties and nine lead changes. Mitchell's biggest lead came in the first half when a three-pointer by Buscetto capped an 11-0 run and made the score 40-32 with 3:46 to play. A late charge by the Pilgrims narrowed the deficit to 46-45 at the break. Buscetto had 18 points by intermission to lead all scorers.

In the second half, the Pilgrims took their largest lead at 75-65 on a three by Kyle Inglis with 9:22 remaining. Mitchell countered with an 11-2 run over the next three minutes to whittle the deficit back to one. Buscetto and Lewis each supplied a pair of baskets during the spurt.

Back-to-back threes by Buscetto put Mitchell in front 84-83 with 3:21 to play. Just over a minute later, Buscetto picked up his fifth foul and was forced to watch the final 2:11 from the bench. In his absence, Benson made a pair of free throws to extend the lead to three at 87-84.

In the final minute, Lewis made two key free throws to make it an 89-86 game. After Jamal Allen countered with a lay-up to pull NEC within one, the Mariners missed a three on their ensuing possession and left the hosts with 15 seconds left on the clock. Kareem Octavien then missed a go-ahead three, but the Pilgrims were awarded the loose ball with 2.5 seconds remaining. On the game's final play, Tavilla got an open look from the top of the key but couldn't get it to fall.

Mitchell (7-8 overall) will next play at SUNY Maritime on Tuesday, January 25 at 7 p.m.