MBB's Streak Snapped at NEC

HENNIKER, N.H. -- The Mitchell College men's basketball team had its six-game winning streak snapped by New England College on Saturday afternoon, falling by a final score of 109-87 in New England Collegiate Conference action at Bridges Gymnasium.

The Mariners had no answer for Jamal Allen, who finished with 42 points on 13-for-21 shooting with seven three-pointers. Calvin Cheek added a triple-double of 23 points, 11 steals and 10 assists and also tacked on six rebounds and three blocks.

Robert Zirlis paced five Mariners in double figures with 19 points. Alfonzo Stokes added 16 points while Jacob Narvaez and Hunter Baillargeon supplied 11 points apiece. Mikey Buscetto rounded out the group with a double-double of 10 points and 14 assists. 

Cheek opened the game with a steal and a layup to give NEC a lead it never yielded. The Pilgrims led by single digits for most of the half but pulled away behind a 14-2 run in the final 2:03 of the stanza. Allen netted 24 points in the opening period to stake NEC to a 60-41 lead at the break.

The Pilgrims led by as many as 28 in the second half and were never threatened. NEC forced a total of 24 turnovers in the contest and owned a 41-18 advantage in points off turnovers.

Mitchell (11-9 overall, 1-1 NECC) will next host Eastern Nazarene College on Wednesday, February 9 at 6 p.m.