Tavitian Scores 1,000th Career Point as Men’s Basketball Falls to Nichols in Season Opener

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (March 5, 2021) – The Western New England University men's basketball team was defeated by Nichols, 77-74, in their season opener on Friday evening at the Anthony S. Caprio Alumni Healthful Living Center.

Top Performers
Senior Zachary Tavitian led the way for the Golden Bears with a double-double, scoring 21 points and grabbing 11 rebounds. Senior Alex Sikorski scored 19 points while junior Kenny Flynn scored 11 points and grabbed eight rebounds.

All five starters for Nichols scored in double figures, with Jerome Cunningham, Bryson Andrews, and Elijah Lewis each scoring 14.

Game Review
The Golden Bears and Bison traded baskets throughout the beginning of the first half, with the score tied at 16 with 10:39 remaining in the first half. A steal by Sikorski which led to a fast break dunk gave Western New England a 39-30 lead with 3:01 remaining in the half.

A 3-pointer early in the second half from Sikorski gave the Golden Bears a 47-33 lead. The Bison took the lead back at the 14:35 when Andrews hit a 3-pointer to give them a 53-51 advantage. The game remained even through the rest of the second half, with Lewis hitting two vital free throws to give Nichols the lead back with 1:04 left to seal the victory.

Notes
• Zach Tavitian joined the 1,000 career point club after his final basket of the game.

Up Next
Western New England (0-1) and Nichols (1-2) will face off again on Saturday at Nichols. Tip-off is set for 2:15 pm.