BOSTON -- The University of New England battled past Wentworth Institute of Technology by an 82-80 margin in Commonwealth Coast Conference (CCC) men's basketball action on Tuesday night (Feb. 6) at Tansey Gymnasium.

With the win, the Nor'easters (10-12, 8-7 CCC) split the season series with the Leopards (13-9, 9-6 CCC).

Gavin Dibble led the way for UNE with 16 points on 5-of-7 shooting and had a team-high six rebounds. Jackson McCoy, Daron Hoges, Jr., and Alex Kravchuk finished with 12, 10, and nine points, respectively.

The visitors shot 50 percent (18-of-36) from the floor in the 2nd half, and only turned the ball over four times, to score 48 points and flip a 39-34 deficit at the break.

For Wentworth, Jason Ganley notched 16 of his game-high 22 points following halftime. Stephen Azums registered 18 points with 19 rebounds, and Ben Kizel had 16 points.

UNE's largest advantage of the game came at 27-15 in the 1st period. Less than seven minutes later, however, the Leopards gained their biggest cushion (37-31), after 17 consecutive points capped a 22-4 run by the hosts.

The spread was no more than six either way (UNE 69-63) during the final 20 minutes. Dibble canned a three-pointer with 2:29 left to give the Nor'easters the edge for good (76-73). Clutch baskets by McCoy and Hoges, and two freebies by Dibble, sealed the result.

Big Blue added 10 triples to its effort in the national Coaches vs. Cancer 3-Point Challenge, which raises funds in support of the American Cancer Society. Fans can continue to join the team's PLEDGE IT campaign and donate for every made 3-pointer in the month of February. The Nor'easters now have 23 through two outings; they have three regular-season and as many as three conference tournament games remaining to factor in the challenge.

UNE will be back in Biddeford on Saturday (3 p.m.) to entertain Salve Regina University.