BOSTON, Mass. - New England College Men's Basketball came up short against Wentworth Institute of Technology on Thursday night in a 77-65 final. 

After going down 8-0 to start, junior Aiden MacLeod (Wilmington, Mass.) scored the first four of his team-leading 15 points to cut the Leopards lead to seven. Wentworth kept the pressure on the Pilgrims throughout the opening half to bring a 13-point lead into the locker room. 

Eight points in the first four minutes of the second half by sophomore Luke Montejo (Tewksbury, Mass.) brought Wentworth's lead down to four. The Leopards would quickly go on a 5-0 run before sophomore Josh Robie (Bethlehem, N.H.) hit a three to bring the lead back down to six. Wentworth's consistent offensive attack allowed the Leopards to secure the 12-point victory. 

MacLeod and Montejo, who went 3-3 from deep, led the Pilgrims with 15 points apiece as junior Jasen Stovall (Tampa, Fla.) finished with 14. Stovall and MacLeod each recorded seven rebounds as Montejo and senior Kenray Emadamerho (Manchester, N.H.) each finished with six. Junior Mike Strazzeri (Chichester, N.H.) and junior Michael Hills (Baton Rouge, La.) led the Pilgrims with four assists each. 

The Pilgrims close their regular season on Saturday as they host the Leopards in a rematch at 3:00 PM where they will celebrate senior day. 

For continuing coverage of New England College Athletics, visit athletics.nec.edu and follow the Pilgrims on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.