HENNIKER, N.H. - Castleton's high-powered offense and pressure defense were both clicking as the team went over the century mark for the second consecutive game, dispatching North Atlantic Conference newcomer New England College by a 116-87 margin on Thursday evening.

The win is the fifth straight conference victory for the Spartans as they improve to 5-1 in the NAC and an even 6-6 overall. It also marks third consecutive contest in which they have beaten a NAC opponent by at least 25 points. The loss, meanwhile, drops the Pilgrims to 3-9 on the season and 3-4 in conference action.

Senior Greg Hughes (West Rutland, Vt.) had the touch from long range as he went 7-for-9 from downtown en route to a career-high tying 28 points. He added a pair of steals and was one of six players in double figures for the Spartans. As a team, Castleton hit 14 shots from behind arc, shot a season-best 57.3 percent from the field and forced 27 turnovers, which led to 23 fast break points.

Junior Mark Comstock (Rutland, Vt.) also had a good night with 20 points and a team-high eight rebounds. Junior Dammy Mustapha (Bellows Falls, Vt.) added 15 points and freshman Mark Pryzbylkowski (New Egypt, N.J.) finished with 14 while classmate Chris Barletta (Hazleton, Pa.) and Keith Schneider (Benson, Vt.) each chipped in with ten.

The Spartans opened the game on an 8-2 run over the first 2:23, however, NEC came back to take the lead at 17-16 with 11:55 remaining in the first. Castleton immediately responded with a Schneider layup, which jumpstarted a 14-0 run by the visitors.

The Pilgrims hit a layup at the 8:52 mark to make it 30-19; however, a 12-5 run gave the Spartans a 42-24 advantage with just 5:39 left in the half. Castleton outscored NEC 20-15 over the half's final minutes to take a 62-39 lead into the break.

Hughes hit a three to open the second as the Spartans scored nine of the half's first 11 points. Castleton then pushed its lead as high as 49, at 92-53 with 13:05 remaining, on two free throws by Mustapha. The Spartans bench saw most of the action from there on as the team finished with the 116-87 win.

Robin Wilson (Biddeford, Maine) came off the bench to lead the Pilgrims with 14 points on 7-for-12 shooting. Three other players reached double figures, including Ryan Schmitz (Redding, Calif.), who had 13 points, four steals and three assists.

Castleton returns to action on Saturday at 1 p.m. when they host Colby-Sawyer in Glenbrook Gym.