CAMBRIDGE, Mass. -- Wentworth Institute of Technology spoiled the 2015 opener for Lesley University as a strong second half powered the Leopards past the Lynx 65-60 tonight in non-conference action at the Nicholas Athletic Center. WIT senior John-Michael Fragnoli (Schenectady, N.Y.) recorded a game-high 24 points to go with eight rebounds to lead the guests who improved to an even 5-5 on the year. The loss drops Lesley to 1-7.
The Lynx led early on as a 10-0 spurt propelled the hosts to a 14-6 edge over the game's first eight minutes. Lynx senior Justin Rosa (East Brunswick, N.J.) carried the offense during the run as he chipped in with the final seven points.
A layup by sophomore Jacob DiDomenico (N. Providence, R.I.) gave Lesley a 23-15 edge with 6:25 to go in the opening half, but the Leopards would answer with a 10-0 run of their own to claim a 25-23 lead with just under one minute on the clock. The final minute was full of action as a pair of Rosa free throws knotted the game at 25-25 before a triple by WIT freshman Cesar Fulcar (Watertown, Mass.) once again gave the visitors a three point edge.
Lesley junior Chris Barletta (Valrico, Fla.) cut the lead to one with a layup with 18-seconds left, before the Lynx claimed at 29-28 lead at the break following consecutive free throws by Rosa, who was fouled with less than one second left on the clock. Rosa recorded 13 of his team-high 19 points in the first half.
The Leopards came out of the break on fire as they used a 14-3 run to quickly pull out to a 40-32 advantage. Fragnoli led the Leopards with six points during the run. WIT would not trail again in the game.
A Fragnoli jumper with 3:05 to go gave the Leopards their largest lead of the night at 60-45, but the Lynx would not go quietly. The Lynx would end the game with a late 15-5 run, but it was too little, too late as WIT held on for the 65-60 win.
Fulcar knocked down 3-of-4 from deep as finished with 12 points on the night to go with a game-high four steals. Freshman Sam Knollmeyer (Hampton, N.H.) chipped in with nine points for the Leopards, who saw ten different players record points.
Rosa finished 9-of-11 from three free throw line the way to his 19 points, while he also added five boards and a pair of assists to his line. Senior Nikalus Oliver (Pembroke Pines, Fla.) added 11 points while Barletta also ended in double figures with ten points.
The Lynx will return to New England Collegiate Conference action on Tuesday when they travel to Southern Vermont College at 4:00p. The Leopards will also be back in action on Tuesday when they play host to the University of New England at 7:30p.