Men's Basketball Scores Season-High in 126-109 Win over Gordon

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (February 5, 2020) – The Western New England University men's basketball team defeated Gordon, 126-109, in Commonwealth Coast Conference (CCC) action on Wednesday evening at the Alumni Healthful Living Center.

Top Performers
Western New England was led by junior forward Zachary Tavitian (Milford, Conn.) scoring 22 points on 7-9 shooting including 3-4 from the 3-point line. Junior guard Alex Sikorski (Rocky Hill, Conn) added 26 points. Sophomores Kenny Flynn (Dudley, Mass.) and Antonio Brancato (Fairfield, Conn.) combined for 38 points off the bench, with 20 and 18, respectively.

Gordon was led by NCAA Division III leading scorer Eric Demers (Acushnet, Mass.). Demers scored 32 points on 9-24 shooting.

Game Review
The Fighting Scots started off hot taking a 7-2 lead following a layup from junior forward Parker Omslaer (Jackson, NJ). That was the largest deficit the Golden Bears would face in the first half, answering back with a 14-2 run. Senior guard Tim Reilly (Poughkeepsie, N.Y.) caught fire, scoring 14 first half points including four 3-pointers.

Western New England's largest lead of the half was 15 points following a layup from Brancato. The Golden Bears benefited from 16 bench points and an outstanding 10-13 from the 3-point line in the first half. The Golden Bears entered the second half leading 62-50.

The Golden Bears didn't slow down their tempo in the second half, scoring 64 points. Sikorski added 18 second half points with two 3-pointers. With 5:31 remaining Flynn threw down a fast break dunk to give the Golden Bears a 24 point lead, their largest of the game. The Fighting Scots climbed back and brought the game to within 10 with a minute to go. The Golden Bears sealed the game in the end, winning 126 – 109.

Notes
• 126 points is the scored by the Golden Bears this season.
• Western New England assisted on 29 of their made baskets.

Up Next
Western New England (13-8) travels to Curry on Saturday afternoon. Gordon (10-10) will travel to Wentworth on Saturday afternoon.