Box Score Box Score

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. – Led by a career-high 30 points from sophomore guard Justin Kuntz (Wallingford, CT), the Nichols Bison exploded past Western New England 90-73 for their first win in The Commonwealth Coast Conference (TCCC) Thursday (Jan. 27) evening at the Alumni Healthful Living Center.

Freshman forward Ryan Sheehan (North Attleboro, MA) added 26 points for the visitors going 10-of-20 from the floor and 6-of-9 from three.

Sophomore forward Kyle Mascilak (Sparta, NJ) came off the bench to score 18 points with a team-high nine rebounds.

Junior guard Michael Salis (Nashua, NH) tallied a game-high 11 assists and also scored eight points in the contest.

The Bison took a slim 40-36 lead into the half, pulling away in the second stanza by shooting a sizzling 60% from the field (21-35).

Senior guard Andre Duncan (Bronx, NY) compiled a double-double for the Golden Bears with 18 points and 10 rebounds, both career-highs. He made 6-of-8 field-goal attempts, including 4-of-6 three-pointers.

Senior forward Brad Thomka (Springfield, MA) contributed 11 points, six rebounds, and four blocks.

Sophomore guard Damon Alston (New Britain, CT) scored 13 points, making 3-of-5 from beyond the arc.

Nichols held a decisive 44-22 advantage in points scored in the paint and also enjoyed an 18-2 edge in points in transition. The Bison converted 29 points off 20 turnovers.

The Bison improve to 4-13 (1-4 TCCC); while the Golden Bears drop to 1-15 (1-5 TCCC).

Western New England returns to action on Saturday (Jan. 29) at 3:00 p.m. as they travel to take on the University of New England in conference play.