BRISTOL, R.I. -- Roger Williams University built a 17-point lead in the 2nd half, only to see it reduced to three in the waning moments before securing a 70-63 Commonwealth Coast Conference (CCC) men's basketball win over the University of New England on Thursday night (Jan. 5) at the Campus Rec Center.

The Hawks (10-2, 4-1 CCC) tallied the initial seven points of the final stanza to establish a 40-23 advantage, but the Nor'easters (4-8, 2-3 CCC) immediately responded with a 14-1 run to get back within four (41-37).

Largely behind four three-pointers by Andrew Wasik, RWU's double-digit lead was restored to 57-46 with 4:35 to go. UNE would not go away, however, and two treys by Gavin Dibble sparked an 11-3 spurt to narrow the gap to 60-57 at the 1:39 mark.

Roger Williams registered at least one point on each of its remaining six possessions to thwart the rally attempt by the visitors.

Nick Marini led the Hawks with 17 points, and had seven rebounds, seven assists, and three steals. Wasik posted 15 points, and Conor O'Brien notched a double-double of 11 points and 13 boards.

The Nor'easters were balanced with four players scoring in double figures. Sam Thomas went for 13 points and six rebounds, and Jean-Luc Parker had 13 points along with four assists. Dibble knocked down all four of his looks from long distance to add 12 points, all in the 2nd period, and CJ Autry recorded 11 points with a team-high nine caroms.

UNE hit 9-of-15 triples following halftime to double-up RWU (12-6) from deep, but only made 5-of-12 at the line in the contest to fall 11 points short of its opponent (16-of-24).

In the 1st frame, the Hawks took the lead for good (14-12) just over seven minutes into the match, and were up 33-23 at the break.

The Nor'easters return to action on Saturday (3 p.m.) at home against Nichols College (5-0 CCC).