Box Score QUINCY, Mass. – The New England College Men's Basketball team uses the long ball to their advantage, as the Pilgrims wrap up their road schedule with an 82-73 win over Eastern Nazarene, Friday afternoon.
Following the game, the Pilgrims improve to 6-3, while the Lions fall to 2-3.
HOW IT HAPPENED
The two teams were very competitive, as neither side could gain much control in the early minutes. Eastern Nazarene was able to pull ahead by six (14-8) following a layup by Shawn Wright at the 14:01 marker. New England College was able to respond, as the Pilgrims scored 11 straight points, with eight coming from Jamal Allen. The Lions battled back from being down five, to take a seven-point advantage (37-30), with 1:51 showing on the clock, and carry a four-point lead entering the break. The Pilgrims were on fire from range, as they hit seven of their first 10 shots from beyond the arc, in the first half.
Coming out of the half, NEC kept chipping away at the deficit and eventually regained the lead following a three-pointer from Calvin Cheek to give the Pilgrims a 47-46 lead. Eastern Nazarene would hang around, as the New England College lead would not get past six points. NEC was able to slowly pull away in the final minute, as they hit 8-8 free throws in the final minute to secure the 82-73 win.
INSIDE THE NUMBERS
-Jamal Allen poured in a game-high 20 points, as Deven Okowuga (17), Michael Tavillia (16), Calvin Cheek (14), and Kareem Octavien (10), joined Allen in double-figures.
-The Lions outscored the Pilgrims 42-26 in the paint, but NEC was able to score from long range, as they hit 12 three-pointers on the day.
-With six steals in today's game, Calvin Cheek has 439 career steals, placing him nine steals behind the all-time record of 448 held by Tennyson Whitted of Ramapo (2000-03).
-After the game, the Lions still lead the all-time series 24-15.
WHAT'S NEXT
The Pilgrims return home for the final time this year, as they play host to Eastern Nazarene on Saturday, April 3rd at 1:00 p.m.
