NEW LONDON, Conn. – Junior Walker Baillargeon (Norwich, Conn.) poured in a game-high 31 points off the bench to lead the Mitchell College men's basketball team past New England College in Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) action on Saturday afternoon at the Yarnall Athletic Center.
The 31 points was a career-high for Baillargeon, who shot at a red-hot clip of 71% (12-17) from the floor and 50% (4-8) from beyond the arc. Junior Eddie Volkerts (New London, Conn.) recorded his ninth double-double of the season, finishing with 29 points on 13-18 shooting, to go along with 13 rebounds, three assists, and three steals. Senior Jaylyn Clardy (Pensacola, Fla.) added 15 points, while fellow senior Wilton Causey (Worcester, Mass.) chipped in nine points and four rebounds.
After the two teams traded punches over the opening portion of the first half, the Mariners jumped ahead 23-22 on a three-pointer by Baillargeon with 8:19 on the clock. Mitchell then took control by closing the half on a 25-16 run, paced by 16 points by Baillargeon, who was the game's leading scorer to that point.
Early in the second half, the Pilgrims pulled to within six off a three-pointer from Theisen Lee. With 14:49 to go in the game, a pair of free throws by NEC's Alex Williams made the score 56-51 in favor of Mitchell, before the hosts answered with an 8-0 run capped off by a layup from Eddie Volkerts to put the Mariners back in control.
The Mariners shot a scorching 56.5% (39-69) from the floor, and forced 20 Pilgrim turnovers, which in turn led to 26 points. Led by Baillargeon, Mitchell also received a huge day from the bench, which outscored the NEC bench 35-11.
Alex Williams led the Pilgrims with 23 points, shooting 50 percent from the floor. Theisen Lee netted 16 points for NEC, while Aiden Macleod (14 poins) and Nick Gomeau (13 points) also finished in double-figures scoring.
Winners of three straight, the Mariners (14-7, 6-4 GNAC) will look to stay hot when they visit Dean College on Wednesday, February 12, for a GNAC clash at 7:00 pm. The Pilgrims (3-18, 1-9 GNAC) return to the court on Wednesday, February 12, at Norwich University.