BIDDEFORD, Maine -- Drew Coveney (JR/Londonderry, N.H.) scored all of his team-high 16 points after halftime as the University of New England edged Western New England University, 64-59, in Commonwealth Coast Conference (CCC) men's basketball action Tuesday evening (Jan. 3) at the Harold Alfond Forum.
The victory was the second in a row for the Nor'easters, who improved to 4-7 overall and leveled their conference mark at 2-2. Western New England suffered its eighth consecutive setback to dip to 1-9 (0-4 CCC).
After an 0-for-7 performance from the floor in the first half, Coveney converted 5 of 9 field goal tries over the final 20 minutes, including 3 of 5 from long distance. In addition to his 16 points, he finished with eight rebounds, four steals and three assists.
Jean-Luc Parker (SR/Georgetown, Texas) tossed in 15 points for UNE, while Sam Thomas (SR/Bedford, N.H.) registered a double-double with 10 points and a game-high 10 rebounds to go with three blocks. Ryan Matthews (SO/Park Ridge, N.J.) and Tom Nason (SR/Milton, N.H.) each contributed eight points off the bench for the Nor'easters.
Luis Agrait (GR/South Hadley, Mass.) and Mike Gelineau (SR/Waltham, Mass.) tallied 12 points apiece to pace the Golden Bears. Daniel Silva (SR/Seekonk, Mass.) had 10 points and six boards, and Mike McCourt (FY/Lincoln, R.I.) finished with eight points and seven caroms.
Leading 26-25 at intermission, Western New England pushed its cushion to six (31-25) with the first five points of the second frame before UNE took control with 14-2 run. Coveney had eight points during the flurry, capping the outburst with a fastbreak layup 5:13 into the period.
The Golden Bears, who would trail the rest of the way, were able to get as close as two (56-54) with just over four minutes remaining, but UNE would not relinquish the lead in the closing minutes. With his team up three and 2.7 seconds remaining on the clock, Parker knocked down a pair of free throws to seal the victory.
Both teams play 7:30 p.m. road games on Thursday. UNE is at Roger Williams University, while Western New England heads to Wentworth Institute of Technology.