BENNINGTON, Vt. – A late scoring run in the final minutes of play brought the Cadets within range of in-state opponent Southern Vermont, but it wasn't enough as the Norwich men's basketball squad dropped their season-opener to the Mountaineers, 82-77, in Mountaineer Gymnasium.

Senior Cori Boston led the Cadets on the court with his 23-point game, as he went 8-of-13 for shooting, and was 5-for-8 from the line. Boston collected five rebounds, while junior Antonio Davis collected nine off the boards. Davis also earned two assists and helped defensively with two blocks and one steal.

Senior Jaren Jeffcoat earned 19 points on the night, shooting 8-of-15 in the paint and making all but one free throw. Junior captain Josh Cabrera followed closely behind with his 15 points against Southern Vermont. Cabrera tallied six assists, three rebounds and a steal for the Cadets, shooting 5-of-12 and netting 4-of-5 free throws.

Norwich caused 10 turnovers on the Mountaineers and went into halftime trailing by one-point in a 38-37 game. Southern Vermont put distance between the visiting team in the second half, but the Cadets were able to make a late drive and bring the match within five points before the final buzzer sounded.

Norwich remains on the road for their next two events, as they will play Trinity College on the neutral court of Western New England College. The game is set for Saturday at 6 p.m.