Jan 11, 2020
PLYMOUTH, N.H -- Sophomore forward Seth Thomas (Norwich) and senior guard Jake Collagan (Wethersfield) combined to go 11-of-13 from the floor in the second half, when the Eastern Connecticut State University men's basketball team shot 62.1 percent in a 49-point second half on the way to a 79-60 Little East Conference victory over Plymouth State University Saturday afternoon at Foley Gymnasium.
The victory is the third straight for Eastern (7-7, 3-2 LEC), which completes its march to the .500 mark by winning seven of its last 11 following an 0-3 start. Plymouth (6-7, 1-4 LEC) has lost six of its last nine after dropping its sixth straight to Eastern.
Following a first half which featured four ties and four lead changes, Eastern trailed by as many as five points in the opening minutes of the second half before later outscoring the Panthers 17-4 to break a tie and move out to a 13-point, 62-49 lead with six minutes left.
Junior guard Cory Muckle (Westbrook), Thomas and Collagan combined for all 17 points in that stretch. Muckle sank two three-pointers, with Thomas scoring seven -- including the first four -- and Collagan four. That trio also combined for seven rebounds in that run, with freshman forward Rakesh Tibby (East Hartford) adding three rebounds and two steals over those ten minutes.
Muckle dominated the first half with 16 of his game-high total of 25 points. In the game, he cashed in six of nine three-pointers. Collagan and Thomas each had 12 points in the second half and finished with 19 and 15 points, respectively. In the second half, Collagan was 5-of-7 from thee floor and Thomas 5-of-6. Thomas led Eastern with eight rebounds in the game and Collagan finished with five rebounds and four assist.
Sophomore forward Sharown Fowler (Springfield, MA) came off the bench to contribute eight points and seven rebounds without a turnover in 23 minutes.
Plymouth had a +11 advantage on the offensive boards that helped it outscore Eastern, 19-2, on second-chance opportunities.
Eastern hosts Rhode Island College Wednesday at 6 p.m. The Anchormen (5-1) took over sole possession of first place in the conference Saturday with a 76-60 win over visiting Keene State College.