Men’s Basketball Jumps Back into Win Column with Victory Over NEC
| Final | 1 | 2 | T | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Mitchell (6-11, 2-3) | 41 | 45 | 86 |
|
New England Col. (6-10, 1-4) | 31 | 41 | 72 |
HENNIKER, N.H. – The Mitchell College men's basketball team jumped back into the win column on Saturday afternoon, earning an 86–72 Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) road victory over New England College at Bridges Gymnasium.
Mitchell jumped out early and never trailed, opening the game on an 11–5 run and extending the margin to double digits midway through the first half. The Mariners took a 41–31 lead into the break after shooting 46 percent from the field in the opening 20 minutes.
The Mariners continued to control the game in the second half, stretching the lead to as many as 29 points behind efficient shooting and steady ball movement. Mitchell finished the contest shooting 51.5 percent from the floor and an impressive 12-of-20 from three-point range, while totaling 20 assists on 34 made baskets.
Junior Troy Butler (Manchester, Conn.) led all scorers with 21 points off the bench, connecting on four three-pointers. Sophomore forward Abdul Mansaray (Jacksonville, Fla.) recorded his fourth double-double of the season with 18 points, 11 rebounds, five assists and four blocks, anchoring Mitchell on both ends of the floor. Freshman Jaxyn Beaudet (Groton, Conn.) and senior David Stallworth (Stockton, Calif.) each scored nine points, with Stallworth going a perfect 3-for-3 from the field.
Mitchell held a 36–31 advantage on the glass and forced 13 New England College turnovers, helping maintain control throughout the contest.
The Pilgrims were led by Mike Strazzeri with 12 points, while Ryan Cuvier added 11 points off the bench. Aiden Macleod and Dimitri Sime each chipped in nine points.
The Mariners (6–11, 2–3 GNAC) will look to make it two in a row when they visit Regis College on Wednesday, January 28, for a GNAC matchup scheduled for 7:00 p.m.
