BIDDEFORD, Maine -- Nine different players scored during a 21-7 run in the middle of the 2nd half to lift the University of New England past Endicott College, 87-79, in Commonwealth Coast Conference (CCC) men's basketball action on Saturday afternoon (Jan. 20) at the Harold Alfond Forum.

The game's 16th and final lead-change came at the 9:43 mark (59-58), as part of a 9-0 stretch that left the Nor'easters with a 64-58 edge. A three-point play by Endicott's Joel Villa brought the Gulls back within one possession, but UNE had the spread at 10 (73-63) just a couple minutes later. The margin was no less than six during the last five minutes.

Winners of three in-a-row, the Nor'easters (7-9, 5-4 CCC) received a team-high 14 points from Daron Hoges, Jr. on 4-of-5 shooting from long range. Alex Kravchuk had 11 of his 13 points following halftime, and Gavin Dibble tossed in 12 points. Ryan Matthews and Avery Debrito each added eight points, and Jackson McCoy pulled in a game-best nine rebounds.

UNE converted 15 steals into 22 points, which helped overcome 31.8 percent (27-for-85) field goal accuracy. The hosts also out-scored their opponent by 10 at the line, making 21-of-28 looks.

The Gulls (12-5, 7-3 CCC), who won the first meeting between the teams back on December 5 (115-91), suffered from 11-of-23 shooting at the charity stripe.

Villa posted the game-high of 29 points for EC, with near perfection (13-of-14) on his attempts from the floor. He also collected six boards and six assists. Keith Brown went for 18 points and six rebounds, while Matt McDevitt registered 11 points and eight caroms.

Endicott led for most of the opening period, holding a cushion as large as eight (20-12). The visitors also sat on top of a 43-35 edge with 18:09 left in the contest.