Geitner Catches Fire in Second Half, Roll over Suffolk in CCC Opener

BOSTON, Mass. (November 30, 2022) – Western New England's Men's Basketball had their first conference game of the season on the road against the Suffolk University Rams who they defeated 75-68.

Records:

• Western New England: 4-2
• Suffolk University: 3-2

How It Happened: The game was a close battle from the beginning. The Rams got off to the first lead, 13-4. Jake Harrison hit the layup that started the Golden Bears run. A three-point shot knocked in by Brian Geitner put them within two, and Cody Palazzesi scored the shot to tie the score. The score remained at 13-13 for three minutes. Harrison put in the bucket to give WNE their first lead of the game. The remainder of the first half was a back-and-forth game with each team stealing the lead away from the other. The Rams took a lead at 8:34, 19-17, and there were three lead changes to follow. The rams held on to their game lead for three more minutes of play before Geitner swished a jumper to tie, a three-point shot switched the lead, and Palazzesi knocked in a three, back to the Golden Bears on top. WNE maintained the lead until halftime and Harrison added with another basket for a score of 33-29 at the half.

After a series of trips up and down the court, both teams knocking in shots, Suffolk evened up the score and forced the lead back in their favor just about four minutes underway in the second. They kept a three-point lead for a while and pushed it to seven after an AND 1 play from the Rams 47-42. Geitner knocked in a three to bring WNE behind one and then let Suffolk get back a five-point lead 52-47. 10 minutes until the finale of the game Tim Restall made a layup for the Golden Bears to trail two, the Rams answered with a layup, and Gavin Greene got in on the action, WNE back down two. Andrew Byfield had a huge three for the lead, and another layup a minute later. Geitner put in a jumper before Suffolk scored again. The Rams knocked in a three pointer and Geitner responded with one of his own. Suffolk did come back within four of the Golden Bears then got shut out for 2 minutes. WNE had bult up a 12-point lead, but a couple of threes from the Rams kept them hanging around. A few trips to the foul line sealed the deal for the Golden Bears who ended up defeating the Rams 75-68.

On The Court:

• As a team, the Golden Bears shot 48.4 percent from the floor, 27.8 percent from the three, and 58.8 percent from the foul line while gathering 40 rebounds, 13 assists, eight steals and three blocks.
• The Rams shot 35.4 percent from the hardwood, 43.8 percent from beyond the arc, and 57.1 percent from the free throw line while tallying 42 rebounds, 14 assists, eight steals, and four blocks
• The Golden Bears were lead scorer was Brian Geitner who tallied 19 total points and four rebounds.
• Tim Restall led the team in rebounds with 12 and 10 points, and Jake Harrison put in an additional 17 points.

Up Next: The Golden Bears will be home this Saturday, December 3, for another conference game against the University of New England Nor'Easters at 3 p.m. right after the Women's team at 1.