DUDLEY, Mass. – Junior guard Matt Maynard (Paterson, NJ) is taking a more active role in the Western New England College offense and his overall play is keeping the Golden Bears in the hunt for The Commonwealth Coast Conference (TCCC) regular season title.

Maynard netted a game high 18 points for his second highest total of the season as WNEC posted a 77-61 men's basketball victory over conference opponent Nichols College Thursday night (Jan. 12).

The Golden Bears, who played well in a tough eight-point non-league loss at Tufts on Tuesday, raised their record to 10-8 overall and 4-2 in TCCC.

Maynard connected on 6-of-11 shots from the field and was a perfect 6-for-6 from the foul line. He also pulled down a season high eight rebounds.

Junior forward Kyle Fredette (Wallingford, VT) continued his improved play by compiling his third straight double-double (and eighth of the season) with 15 points and a game high 12 rebounds.

Western New England Colege received a big lift from its bench, which netted 24 points, including eight by sophomore guard Paul Kennedy (Longmeadow, MA) that matched his season high. Freshman forward Brendan Murphy (West Springfield, MA) chipepd-in with seven points and five rebounds.

Senior forward Jim Bayne (Bristol, CT) (8 points, 5 rebounds) and senior guard Ryan Hernandez (Hampton Bays, NY) (7 points) helped the effort as well.

Western New England College trailed by 11 points (18-7) at the 12:37 mark of the opening half before bouncing back to take a 37-32 lead at half-time. The Golden Bears stretched their margin to many as 21 points (60-39) at the 9:54 juncture of the second half.

Nichols shot just 29% from the field in suffering its third straight loss. The Bison are now 5-12 overall and 2-4 in TCCC.

Sophomore guard Bryan Riley (West Boylston, MA) led the hosts with 14 points while freshman guard Garret Bishop (Saratoga Springs, NY) had 11 in a reserve role.