Wentworth Hands Men’s Basketball First CCC Loss

BOSTON, Mass. (January 24, 2023) – Western New England's men's basketball team had their first CCC lost against the Wentworth Institute Leopards on the road for a final score of 71-66.

Records:

• Western New England: 14-3, 10-1 CCC
• Wentworth Institute: 10-8, 5-6 CCC

How It Happened: A close game right out the gate. Gavin Greene made the first layup of the first, the Leopards knocked in a three, Greene matched it, and Wentworth tied it back. The ballgame continued exchanging lead changes until the Leopards pushed a three-point advantage at 13:53 mark, score 12-9. The Golden Bears took the lead back with a Nate Kasper basket. The lead was soon back in the hands of Wentworth and switched three more times. 10-minutes into the half, Wentworth took and kept the game-lead for almost seven minutes with a couple of jumpers, a three-pointer, and a free-throw before Brian Geitner broke up the run on a layup. Greene put up a bucket, and Tim Restall added four for WNE to be back on top by one, 25-24. Another series of lead changes then Jake Harrison's layup and three free-throws plus two free-throws from Cody Palazzesi, the Golden Bears had their largest lead of the first, 32-26. The Leopards made an extra shot before halftime for them to trail to WNE 32-28.

Geitner shot a three for the first points of the second half. A jumper and a layup closed the gap for Wentworth. Harrison put WNE back on top by two more. Wentworth nailed a three following a free-throw to take the lead, 13:56 on the clock. Two more foul shots, a three, and a total run of 14 points, the Leopards increased the score to 50-38. A three by Palazzesi was the first Golden Bear basket in almost five minutes, and Wentworth had their second run of five-points. Harrison fighting to comeback, battled his way to the hoop three times in a row to cut the lead 55-47. He made the next few WNE baskets until Geitner knocked some in at the line, only trailing 59-54 with 4:57 left in the game. They let the Leopards go on yet another run for a nine-point lead, and the game was decided on the free-throw line from here on. Harrison had four more from the line but sent the Leopards to the line too many times who picked up four themselves to win the ballgame 71-66.

On the Floor:

• As a team, the Golden Bears shot 41.2 percent from the floor, 21.4 percent from the three, and 70.0 percent from the foul line while gathering 30 rebounds, 15 assists, 10 steals, and three blocks.
• The Leopards shot 50.9 percent from the hardwood, 23.5 percent from beyond the arc, and 64.7 percent from the free throw line while tallying 36 rebounds, 19 assists, nine steals, and four blocks.
• The Golden Bears were led by Jake Harrison, who had 28 points, nine rebounds, five assists, two steals, and one block. He went 7-13 in field goals and 14-18 from the foul line.
• Brian Geitner added 10 points, and Tim Restall pulled down seven boards.

Up Next: The Golden Bears return to the AHLC this Saturday, January 27, for their second CCC match-up against the Nichols Bison following the Women's Basketball game at 3 p.m.