WORCESTER, Mass. - The New England College men's basketball team battled back from down 16 but lost in the final minutes to the Clark University Cougars, 83-77, in non-conference action, Wednesday evening.

THE BASICS
Score: Clark University 83, New England College 77

Records: Pilgrims (1-4, 0-0 NECC) | Cougars (4-0, 0-0 NEWMAC)

HOW IT HAPPENED
In the first half, Clark jumped out to an early lead, but Jamal Allen tied the game 12-12 at the 13:48 mark. The two teams battled back and forth for a duration of the half before a free throw from Jamal Allen put the Pilgrims up one (20-19) with 6:39 left. In a tight first 20 minutes, the Cougars took a 32-34 lead into halftime.

Clark made a run to start the second half, but as NEC made a push, a three by Kyle Inglis put them within nine (52-43) at 15:43. A steal and a layup from Calvin Cheek brought the Pilgrims within seven with 13:24 left. NEC's persistent defense and quick style of play brought them within four with a minute remaining, where a pair of free throws from Cheek cut the Cougars lead to two. Despite the comeback, the Pilgrims could not overcome Clark's lead, falling (83-77).

INSIDE THE NUMBERS

• Jamal Allen paced NEC with 27 points, followed by Calvin Cheek with a near double-double (17 points and 9 rebounds)
• The Pilgrims shot 88.5% from the free-throw line.
• All four losses by New England College have come by less than 10 points.
• Clark now leads the all-time series 1-0.

UP NEXT

• NEC vs Plymouth State, Saturday, November 20, 4:00 pm
• Clark at York, Saturday, November 20, 2:00 pm