Windham, CT.-The Northern Vermont University-Johnson men's basketball program traveled to Eastern Connecticut State University on Saturday afternoon. The Warriors earned the win in regulation by a score of 83-71. The last time these teams faced off was in 1991 and this is the fifth time ever that the teams have competed.

Playing their second game in three days the Badgers paced themselves against the Warriors throughout the entire first half. ECSU took the early lead but it was the Badgers top scorer Robert Dubose Jr. who carried the Badgers in the first half scoring 14 of his game high 23 points. Phillip Lyttle was a top performer for NVU-Johnson as he contributed 15 points and Malik Moore and David Jordan both contributed seven points apiece with Moore grabbing a team high nine boards. 

Despite keeping it close the Badgers cut the first half deficit to four points before the Warriors got a spark from Cory Muckle and Sharown Fowler to extend the lead to double digits. Muckle and Fowler each chipped in a team high 22 points for ECSU and elevated the team to a 45-35 lead headed into the break. 

In the start of the second half both teams went back and forth before back to back baskets from Dubose and Lyttle cut the lead to just six points with 13 minutes remaining in regulation.

A Moore three pointer late in the half followed by an offensive attack by Dubose Jr. that resulted in two made free throws cut the deficit to just three points, but it was the Warriors that kept control and eventually pushed their lead to double digits resulting in the 83-71 loss for NVU-Johnson.

The Badgers were out rebounded 49-37 resulting in 14 second chance points for ECSU. With the loss the Badgers drop to 0-2 on the season and ECSU earns their first win of the season climbing to 1-2 overall. 

The Badgers plan to face off in their first game in Carter Gym on Saturday, February 20 when the Fisher College Falcons come to town. Tip-off is scheduled for 2:00pm.