Junior G Josh Cabrera led Norwich with 16 points as the Cadets claimed third in the WNEC Golden Bear Classic. Norwich athletics photo

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. -  Senior F Cori Boston fired in the winning basket with 1:47 remaining as the Norwich University men's basketball team defeated Western New England College, 76-74, on Sunday in the consolation game of the Golden Bears' Men's Hoop Classic at the Alumni Healthful Living Center. Boston, a transfer from Robert Morris, finished with 11 points and four assists for the Cadets who won for the first time in three outings this season.

Norwich (1-2) took early control of the game using a 14-0 run to take a 30-12 advantage with 6:45 left in the opening half. The Cadets led 40-33 at intermission and enjoyed a 10-point cushion at 59-49 when freshman C Pim Smulders sank two foul shots with 12:24 left in the contest.

WNEC (0-3) responded with a 12-1 run to take its first lead of the game at 61-60 with 9:37 remaining following two free throws by senior forward Brad Thomka. Junior guard Andre Shaw helped key the comeback with eight straight points in the comeback.

Each team enjoyed a small lead down the stretch with WNEC going ahead 70-69 when Shaw buried a long three-pointer at the 3:50 mark. Sophomore G Ryan Williams put the visitors ahead 72-70 with a three-pointer just 29 seconds later. Thomka sank a jumper to tie the game for the final time at 74-74 with 2:03 left, which turned out to be the last points for the Golden Bears.

Norwich had a balanced scoring attack as junior G Josh Cabrera led four players in double figures with 16 points. Junior F Antonio Davis followed with 14 points and nine rebounds while Williams added 15 points, four rebounds, and four assists. Senior G Jaren Jeffcoat chipped-in with six assists. Davis was selected to the All-Tournament Team.

Thomka led four Western New England College players in double figures with 20 points. Damon Alston contributed a career best 16 points and made the All-Tournament Team while Shaw netted 17 points in 16 minutes coming off the bench. Devine had a terrific all-around game with 11 points, eight rebounds, eight assists, and four steals. Conor Lomas pulled-down a game high 12 rebounds.

Norwich will play their next contest on Dec. 1, traveling to Nashua, N.H., to face Rivier College in its first conference game of the season. The contest is scheduled to tipoff at 7 p.m.