MBB Falls Short at New England College
HENNIKER, N.H. -- The Mitchell College men's basketball team dropped an 84-67 decision to New England College on Thursday night in a New England Collegiate Conference match-up at Bridges Gym.
Jamal Allen, one of five Pilgrims who scored in double figures, came off the bench to lead all players with 19 points in 23 minutes of action. Ricky Leonard added 18 points and eight rebounds while Izaiah Winston-Brooks chipped in 14 points. Jason Jones and Calvin Cheek rounded out NEC's top scorers with 13 and 11 points, respectively.
Hasani Williams paced Mitchell with 17 points and nine rebounds. Steffen Brunson contributed 11 points and a game-high eight assists while Malik Chase and Matt Finke tacked on 10 points apiece.
Mitchell shot 50 percent in the first half and led 38-36 at intermission. Brunson netted all 11 of his points in the stanza while Williams added nine.
The Mariners clung to the lead in the early stages of the second half, only to fall behind at the 14:38 mark following a pair of free throws by Allen. However, Williams quickly rallied the Mariners back in front with six straight points. His final bucket of the stretch put the visitors up 51-50 with 12:23 to go.
NEC, which shot at a 50-percent clip in the second half, took the lead for good on the ensuing possession thanks to a three-point play by Leonard. From there the Pilgrims eventually stretched the lead to double digits and coasted to the finish.
Mitchell (7-6 overall, 2-3 NECC) will next host Lesley University on Saturday, January 12 at noon.