Box Score Box Score

KEENE, N.H. - In a season full of several disappointing outcomes, coach Chris Agoglia has never lost faith in his Western New England men's basketball team.

The Golden Bears finally put it all together shooting a season high 61.8% from the field in posting a decisive 95-83 victory over a strong Keene State squad in a non-league game Monday night (Jan. 31) at Spaulding Gym.

This was only the second win in 18 games for Western New England who has dropped seven contests by four or less points this season. It also was the team's highest scoring output of the winter.

The Owls, who are tied for second in the rugged Little East Conference, fall to 14-6 after having a four-game win streak ended.

Senior forward Brad Thomka (Springfield, MA) led five players in double figures with a career high 30 points after making 11-of-17 shots from the field (including his first career three-pointer) and all seven of his foul shots. He also pulled down six rebounds.

Senior guard Chris Devine (Wilbraham, MA) added 21 points on 5-of-7 shooting from the floor, which included a three-pointer. He also was a perfect 10-for-10 from the charity stripe and handed out eight assists with three steals.

Junior guard Andre Shaw (New York, NY) and sophomore guard Damon Alston (New Britain, CT) each contributed 14 points.

Senior center Conor Lomas (Wilbraham, MA) also played a big role compiling a double-double with 11 points (5-for-5 from the field) and 14 rebounds.

Thomka had 12 points in the opening half to help Western New England take a 45-33 lead at the break. He made two free throws to give the Golden Bears their biggest lead at 73-56 with 7:17 left in the game.

The Owls used a 12-2 run to get within seven at 75-68 following a dunk by sophomore forward Rashad Wright (Agawam, MA) at the 4:50 mark. The Golden Bears increased their margin to 10 twice before sophomore guard Ryan Martin (Wayne, ME) (7 points, 10 assists) hit a jumper to make the score 82-75 with 2:46 remaining. 

Western New England then converted 9-of-10 free throws in the final two minutes to complete the upset. The Golden Bears finished 19-for-22 from the charity stripe for an impressive 86.4%.

Sophomore guard Anthony Mariano (Naugatuck, CT) led Keene State with 25 points while sophomore Wright netted 10 points.

The Owls had a 41.0% shooting percentage from the floor (32-for-78) and 64.7% effort in foul shots (11-for-17).