Lions push forward to 85-70 win over UNE

More news about: University of New England
QUINCY, Mass. -- Eastern Nazarene College utilized 2nd-half runs of 14-4 and 13-0 to surge out of a one-point deficit to an 85-70 victory over the University of New England in Commonwealth Coast Conference (CCC) men's basketball action on Saturday afternoon (Jan. 31) at the Lahue PE Center.

The Lions (16-2, 9-2 CCC) got 21 points, five rebounds, four assists, and three steals from Jaylen Owens. Eric Lynch had 19 points and six caroms, while Alex Jarman added 15 points, seven rebounds, and five assists. Christian Lynch contributed 11 points off the bench.

ENC shot 52 percent from the floor in the contest, and finished with a 41-24 advantage on the glass.

Junior Devin Thompson led the Nor'easters (5-14, 3-9 CCC) with 15 points. First-year reserve Gavin Dibble tacked on 13 points and classmate Drew Coveney notched 12. As a team, UNE made 42 percent of its shots and connected on 8-of-19 attempts from deep.

The hosts were up by as many as 11 (26-15) in the 1st half, but Big Blue countered with seven unanswered to start a 20-9 stretch into the break. Both sides were efficient on their field goals in the half (ENC 55%, UNE 48%), and the scoreboard was level at 35-all.

Early stages of the 2nd period featured five ties and six lead-changes, including six straight points from Thompson to put the Nor'easters up by four (45-41).

After a three-point play from Dibble, a jumper by Owens moved the Lions on top for good (49-48) at the 14:06 mark.

Four free throws by UNE sophomore CJ Autry at the midway point cut the deficit to 61-56, only to see Jarman notched six in-a-row and set Eastern Nazarene on the way to a 74-56 cushion with 6:34 left.

Big Blue returns to Biddeford for a Tuesday (7:30 p.m.) match against Wentworth Institute of Technology (7-5 CCC).