HENNIKER, N.H. – The Johnson State College men's basketball team fell to New England College 84-80 in their first North Atlantic Conference (NAC) game of the season on Saturday afternoon.

The Badgers drop to 2-4 on the season and 0-1 in the NAC, while NEC improves to 5-2, with a 1-1 mark in the conference.

1^st Half

The Pilgrims jumped out to an early 8-3 advantage in the opening minutes, but the Badgers battled back to even the game up at 15 at the 11:32 mark. The teams traded baskets back and forth through the remainder of the period, with NEC taking a 41-40 edge into halftime. Marqwon Wynn (Wilmington, Del.) led Johnson in the half with 12 points, while Kawaun Chavis (Philadelphia, Pa.) added ten points and four rebounds.

2^nd Half

The teams stayed even through all of the second half, with neither able to pull away. With 1:25 remaining in the game, Wynn netted a jumper to tie the game at 77. On the Pioneers next possession, Izaiah Winston-Brooks was fouled and made both free throws to take back a 79-77 lead. Wynn was unable to make what would have been a go ahead three with 38 seconds remaining, and the Badgers ultimately fell 84-80.

Johnson Leaders

Wynn led the Badgers with 26 points to go along with six rebounds, with Jeyquan Johnson (Harlem, N.Y.) tacking on 15 more points off the bench. Chavis added 12 points and six rebounds for Johnson.

New England College Leaders

Winston-Brooks led all scorers with 33 points and collected ten rebounds. Jason Jones led the game with 15 rebounds and four blocks.

Stat Breakdown

The Badgers outshot NEC from the field 44.6% to 41.4%, but the Pilgrims were better from the arc by a 34.8% to 30.0% margin. New England College out rebounded Johnson 44-35, while the Badgers held a 15-12 advantage in turnovers forced.

Next Up

Johnson State will host Southern Vermont on Tuesday, December 6^th at 6:00 p.m. in Carter Gym.