NEW LONDON, N.H. – The New England College Men's Basketball team cut a 22-point halftime deficit down to single-digits, but ultimately fell to the Colby-Sawyer Chargers 88-77, in non-conference action, Thursday evening.

THE BASICS

Score: Colby-Sawyer 88, New England College 77

Records: Pilgrims (6-6, 0-0 NECC) | Chargers (4-4, 0-0 GNAC)

HOW IT HAPPENED

The Pilgrims found themselves in an early battle, though the Chargers were able to run off 22-straight points. A layup from Michael Tavilla at the 1:51 mark put NEC back on the board. An and-one from Calvin Cheek with 23 seconds left in the first half cut into Colby-Sawyer's lead, but the 'Grims trailed (44-22) heading into halftime.

The Chargers continued to build upon their lead to begin the second half, but the Pilgrims never gave up. With under four minutes remaining, three free throws from Jamal Allen put NEC within 10 (70-60). A minute later, Kyle Inglis drained a three to put the 'Grims within three (72-69), but NEC was unable to close the gap, as they fell 88-77.

INSIDE THE NUMBERS

• Jamal Allen paced the Pilgrims with 21 points, Calvin Cheek added a double-double with 17 points and 10 rebounds, Marqez Rather also added 13 points.
• NEC went 7-for-32 from long range, while the Chargers shot 47.8% (11-for-23) from beyond the arc. 
• The Pilgrims forced 23 Colby-Sawyer turnovers and scored 39 points off those turnovers.
• CSC leads the all-time series 40-13

UP NEXT

• NEC at Salve Regina, Saturday, December 11, 3:00 pm
• Colby-Sawyer at Emmanuel College, Saturday, December 11, 3:00 pm