HENNIKER, N.H. – The Johnson State College men's basketball team fell New England College 78-62 in a North Atlantic Conference (NAC) game on Thursday night.
The Badgers drop to 7-17 (4-13 NAC) on the season while the Pilgrims move to 18-6 (14-3 NAC).
1st HALF
The opening minutes of the game saw six lead changes and two tied scores as both teams battled for control. The Pilgrims ultimately prevailed, using three-straight scoring possessions to take a five-point lead with 6:51 to play in the first half. The Badgers would take one more brief lead at the 5:00-minute mark, but NEC answered with a 13-0 run and took a 10-point lead into halftime, 38-28.
2nd HALF
Johnson cut the deficit back to six points early in the second half but it would be the closest they would get. NEC held a double-digit lead five minutes into the half and fought off one more Badger comeback with just under 10 minutes to play. The Pilgrims used the final 10 minutes to build a 20-point lead, eventually winning by 16-points, 78-62.
JOHNSON LEADERS
Points: Marqwon Wynn – 20
Rebounds: Demetrius Slade – 12
Assists: Demetrius Slade – 3
NEC LEADERS
Points: Ricky Leonard – 28
Rebounds: Jason Jones – 12
Assists: Calvin Cheek – 3
STATS BREAKDOWN
Field Goal %: NEC 37.8% | Johnson 36.4%
3-Point FG %: NEC 18.2% | Johnson 25.0%
Rebounds: NEC 48 | Johnson 47
Assists: NEC 12 | Johnson 7
Turnovers: NEC 16 | Johnson 24
Points off Turnovers: NEC 28 | Johnson 13
Bench Points: NEC 14 | Johnson 24
NEXT UP:
The Badgers will close out their season against Colby-Sawyer on Saturday, February 17th at 3:00 p.m. Prior to the game, Johnson will celebrate their seniors in a ceremony held along with the women's basketball team.
Portions Courtesy of NEC Sports Information