HENNIKER, N.H. – Calvin Cheek nearly posted a quadruple-double with 16 points, 18 rebounds, ten assists, and nine steals as the New England College Men's basketball team held off the Eastern Nazarene College Lions in a New England College Collegiate Conference matchup on Senior Day, 70-66 Saturday evening.

THE BASICS

Score: New England College 70, Eastern Nazarene College 66

Records: Pilgrims (10-11, 3-1 NECC) | Lions (12-10, 3-1 NECC)

HOW IT HAPPENED

Jeff Fleury energized the Pilgrims offense with a completed and-one four minutes into the first half, as NEC took the lead 7-5. The two teams found themselves in an early battle as the Lions would jump out to a 14-7 advantage at the 13:57 mark. Thirty seconds later, Kyle Inglis drilled a three to cut into ENC's lead, making it 14-10. The Lions and the Pilgrims continued to trade baskets until a jumper from Alex Williams brought the 'Grims within four (27-23) as the team looked to make a push, five minutes away from halftime. A pair of free throws from Williams cut into the ENC lead, as the Pilgrims trailed 37-25 heading into the second half.

The two conference foes continued to trade baskets to start the second half. Back-to-back three-point shots from Kareem Octavien and Jamal Allen brought the Pilgrims within nine at the 16:12 mark. The Lions put together a string of scores as they led 49-36 with 15 minutes remaining. Inglis then completed an and-one on a made three-point bucket to put the 'Grims within five (51-46), followed by an Allen three (53-49) as their offense began to come alive. A steal and score by Cheek cut the Lions' lead to two (57-55), as both teams found themselves back in a tight battle. A jumper from Allen with 18 seconds remaining sealed the deal, as the 'Grims were victorious 70-66 on Senior Day.

INSIDE THE NUMBERS

• Jamal Allen paced the Pilgrims with 17 points, while Alex Williams added 10 points.
• With 16 points, 18 rebounds, ten assists, and nine steals, Calvin Cheek nearly posted a quadruple-double.
• NEC snagged 15 steals and dished out 19 assists
• ENC leads the all-time series 27-15.  

UP NEXT

• NEC vs. Lesley, Wednesday, February 16, 7:00 pm
• ENC vs. Mitchell, Wednesday, February 16, 7:00 pm