SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (November 20, 2021) – The Western New England men's basketball team proved to be too much for the visiting Owls of the University of Maine Presque-Isle, defeating them 95-52 behind a career best of 16 points from Tim Restall, while Alex Sikorski also matched the total putting up 16 points of his own in the blowout win. With the win, the Golden Bears move into the tip-off tournament's championship game. 

Records:

• Western New England: 2-2
• University of Maine Presque-Isle: 1-4

How it Happened: 

Western New England started the game on a huge run, grabbing the first 25 points that were scored in the game. A quick 5-0 lead for the Golden Bears in the first half would lead to a timeout by the Owls as Brian Geitner would cash in from deep would Kenny Flynn connected on a layup with jump start the Golden Bears offense. Western New England would continue their offensive ways during the long stretch as Gavin Greene would add a three-point jumper, while Tim Restall would battle underneath the basket for two points to put the Golden Bears ahead 12-0. Alex Sikorski would catch fire scoring five straight points for Western New England as the Golden Bears quickly saw themselves ahead 25-0 before UMaine Presque-Isle cashed in on a jump shot at the 10:53 mark of the first half to get their first points on the board. 

The Owls would attempt to cut the Golden Bears big lead in the first half getting as low as 27-9, though Sikorski would continue his strong play on the court, putting together a string of points that led to Western New England continuing their pace over the Owls. Restall would continue to put points together, collecting a team high nine in the first half which included the final bucker of the half for the Golden Bears to put them ahead 41-15 after the first 20 minutes of play. 

Greene and Sikorski would get the Golden Bears started in the second half with a layup and three-point jump shot, respectively. UMPI saw Glen Jones and Griffin Guerrette begin to take over for the Owls as they tried to push a comeback after being down by as many as 40 points at the midway point of the second half. Brian Getiner was able to rain in a layup and a jumper to give Western New England the 78-38 lead with nine minutes to play in the half.

Maine Preqaue-Isle would go on a small 7-0 run in the late stages of the contest, though Thomas Arrigal would stop that run with a defensive rebound, followed by a layup down the court. Kevin Flynn would convert on his first career collegiate bucket for the Golden Bears with 2:14 remaining in the contest to continue the big lead for WNE. Mike O'Toole and Johnny Relaford also saw their first action of the season for Western New England as the Golden Bears took care of the Owls of Maine Presque-Isle by a final score of 95-52. The Golden Bears will face Wheaton College (Mass.) after their victory over Bowdoin College in the second game of the WNE Tip-Off Tournament 89-78. 

Inside the Paint:

• Tim Restall was tied for a team high of 16 points in the contest to go along with six rebounds in the win. Restall shot 7/9 from the field while collecting one steal and knocked home two free throws. 
• Alex Sikorski also finished the game with 16 points shoots 7/13 from the field, grabbing six rebounds, three assists and one steal.  
• Kenny Flynn cashed in on all four free throws for Western New England while shooting 3/3 from the field for ten points. Flynn also came away with eight rebounds. 
• The Golden Bears as a team shot 40/75 (53%) while drilling eight three-point field goals picking up 95 points in the win, a season best. Western New England saw five double digit scorers, including four starters. 
• UMPI was led by Brice Lawrence who took 16 shots, converting on six for 13 points.

Up Next on the Schedule:

• Western New England will take on Wheaton College (Mass.) for the title of the tournament tip off at 2:00 pm on Sunday, November 21. 
• With the loss, UMPI falls into the consolation bracket of the tournament, facing off against Bowdoin University at 12:00 pm on Sunday, Novemeber 21.