SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (November 21, 2021) – The Western New England men's basketball team, after having a second half comeback, suffer a heartbreaking 85-83 loss to the Wheaton College Lyons today during the Western New England Tip-Off Tournament.

Records:

• Western New England: 2-4
• Wheaton College: 4-0

How it Happened: 

The Golden Bears hit a three early to kick-off the game, but then let Wheaton go on an unanswered 10-point run. The score was 12-3 at the 15:42 mark. Western New England's Alex Sikorski and Gavin Greene got a great defensive stop and a basket, that started a comeback for the Golden Bears. Greene, Brian Geitner, and Tim Restall all made consecutive baskets to put the Golden Bears back in the game. Restall regained a lead for the Golden Bears at 12:39 mark. It became a one-point game, both teams taking possession of the lead, for three minutes of play. Western New England had amazing defensive stops against the Lyons, hit some key shots, and gained a small lead until Wheaton hit a basket to take away the Golden Bears momentum. The Lyons took control at the eight-minute mark until almost the end of the first half, putting them up double-digits to head into halftime leading 38-28.

Wheaton came out of halftime strong making six baskets before Western New England's Steevens Phelimond knocked down a bucket at 18:19 in the game. Greene also followed with some huge rebounds and a basket. The Lyons dagger in a 3-pointer right when the Golden Bears seemed to be getting in the swing of things. The Lyons continue to maintain a double-digit lead, but Western New England refused to be put away. Kenny Flynn gave the Golden Bears the spark that they needed to come back in the game. Flynn swooped in a couple threes that changed the flow of the game. Sikorski started heating up towards the middle of the half. He diminished the Lyons' lead to just 10 with 9:10 left in the half after hitting a pair of free-throws. Western New England returned to playing incredible defense. They chipped away at the Lyons' lead play-after-play. Restall had an impactful half snatching steals followed by strong moves to the basket. Sikorski, played with no fear and knocked in lay-ups and ones, putting the Golden Bears within four of the Lyons (63-59) at the 7:27 mark. Greene then made it a two-point game. The game became a battle with the teams exchanging baskets. Sikorski nailed in another three that gave the Golden Bears their first lead in the second half 71-70 with only four minutes left in the game. Wheaton returned one right back to regain the lead. Greene, Restall, and Sikorski made great plays late in the final minutes. It was a nail-bitter until the time expired, but Western New England could not pull out the win. Final score 85-83 Wheaton.

Inside the Numbers:

• As a team, Western New England averaged 47.3 percent in field goals, 29.6 percent at the three-point line, and 45.5 percent from the free-throw line. The team grabbed 39 rebounds, 12 assists, two blocks, and 11 steals.
• In comparison, the Lyons had 62.7 percent average in field goals, 45.5 percent at the three, and a solid 80 percent on the line. They pulled down 26 rebounds, had 15 assists, one block, and seven steals.
• Sikorski led the Golden Bears with 28 points, Greene added 16, and Restall contributed 13 more.
• Greene and Restall were the team's top rebounders, with them both grabbing six boards, and they both had the most steals, Restall with four and Greene with three.

Up Next:

The Golden Bears start their three-game road trip at Trinity College on November 23, at 7 p.m.