Devine, Vazquez Power Westfield State Past Springfield College In Pioneer Valley Classic, 68-54

Game Leaders

Springfield
Pts: Alex Berthiaume - 22
Reb: Robbie Burke - 13
Ast: Jordan Rote - 5
Westfield State
Pts: Lee Vazquez - 22
Reb: Matt Devine - 18
Ast: Matt Devine - 6

Team Stats

Springfield
Westfield State

Field Goals

(19-75)
(27-58)

Field Goal %

25.3%
46.6%

Rebounds

46
50

Assists

13
18

Turnovers

14
22

Pts off Turnovers

23
8

2nd Chance Pts

14
17

Pts in the Paint

22
32

Fastbreak Pts

0
0

Bench Pts

9
31
full stats
More news about: Westfield State
Nov 30, 2012

WESTFIELD, Mass. – Senior guard Lee Vazquez scored 22 points and senior center Matt Devine had 12 points and game highs of 18 rebounds, six assists and four blocks to power Westfield State University to a 68-54 victory over Springfield College in 12th Annual Pioneer Valley Hoop Classic on Friday, Nov. 30.

The Owls remain unbeaten with a 5-0 record and will host Elms College in PVC second-day action on Saturday evening at 8:00 p.m. Springfield (4-1) sustained its first setback of the young season and will face unbeaten Amherst College on Saturday at 6:00 p.m. at Westfield State. Amherst defeated Elms, 79-63, in Friday's opening game.

Vazquez, who was honored prior to the game for scoring his 1,000th career point in the season opener, tied Springfield standout guard Alex Berthiaume for game-high scoring honors in a matchup of two of the top scorers in New England.

It was Devine, however, who led the Owls' strong defensive effort. The 6-7 center from Pembroke, who led the NCAA Division III in blocked shots last season, ripped down 15 of his rebounds on the defensive end.

Springfield only shot 17 percent in the first half as Westfield led 28-18 at the intermission. For the game, the Pride only shot 25 percent, including 5 for 23 from 3-point range.

Devine also excelled offensively with his game-high six assists in the Owls' effective inside-outside attack. In addition, Devine's 12 points moves him within six points (994) of 1,000 career points.

Springfield led just once, 13-11, following Josh Altman's dunk with 7:49 left in the first half. Westfield quickly regained the lead on a Vazquez 3-pointer that ignited an 11-0 run for a 22-13 Owl advantage.

Springfield closed to within three, 30-27, early in the second half an a Jordan Rote 3-point basket, then the Owls went on a 16-4 run for a 46-31 lead with 11:20 remaining.

Springfield sliced the lead to eight on several occasions, but Westfield pulled away with its workmanlike effort on both ends of the court.

The Owls shot 47 percent from the field and outrebounded the Pride, 50-46. Sophomore forward Grant Cooper scored 11 points and senior forward Ryan White had 10 rebounds and four assists.

Springfield junior forward Robbie Burke of Cheshire, Mass., posted a double-double with 12 points and 13 rebounds.