BEVERLY, Mass. (January 27, 2022) – The Western New England men's basketball team competed in their second game of the week of their four scheduled over the next six days, this time picking up their first road win of the season, taking down the hosting Endicott College Gulls on Thursday night. 

Records:

• Western New England: 8-8 (6-4 CCC)
• Endicott College: 10-5 (7-3 CCC)

How it Happened:

Western New England, who is looking for their first road win of the season, came out by scoring the first basket of the game as Alex Sikorski started off the Golden Bears with a made layup to give WNE the first lead of the game. Tim Restall would follow up with a made layup after a basket from Endicott, putting together his first points of the night. The Golden Bears would see Endicott splash a three ball to take their first lead of the night. Restall would respond for two quick layups in 30 seconds to retake the lead for Western New England. The Golden Bears would make an 8-0 run after all eight points coming from first year Jake Harrison to give WNE the 18-16 lead with 12:17 to play in the first half. 

Another big run for the Golden Bears at the midway point of the half would give WNE the 29-16 lead, going on a 13-0 run to build a 13-point lead with 7:37 remaining. Brian Geitner would convert on the offensive end for the Golden Bears, as well as a made jumper from Kenny Flynn in the stretch. Endicott would slow cut the Golden Bears lead, after they made a small 6-0 run to send the Golden Bears lead to 31-24. Sikorski would finish at the rim with 45 seconds remaining in the half to give WNE the 44-35 lead at the half. Western New England shot 58.6% from the field in the first half, knocking down three shots from deep as well as converting seven of ten free throws. Endicott was successful on 14-32 FGs (43.8%), while collecting five three-point shots and went 2-4 at the free throw line. WNE would continue to dominate the glass, out rebounding Endicott 20-12. WNE had 26 points in the paint after the first 20 minutes of play. 

Endicott would open the second half on a 15-6 run to quickly tie the game against the Golden Bears. Jalen Echevarria would spark the offense in the half for the Gulls, scoring 15 points through the first 25 minutes of the game. Harrison would have the hot hand for the Golden Bears, scoring 17 points in the opening 25 minutes of the contest, shooting 6-7 (3-4 3 PT), collecting five rebounds and an assist. The Golden Bears would come back from the Endicott run and would retake a seven-point lead with 7 minutes to play in the half. Sikorski would continue his point scoring on the Gulls, knocking down six field goals on 12 shots, including going 6-8 from inside the arc. Gavin Greene would help the Golden Bears increase their lead, converting on a layup at the 7:29 mark to give WNE a nine-point lead. Western New England's defense would stand tall, fending off the Gulls for over two minutes of game action. Western New England would be forced to go down the stretch at the free throw line, knocking down clutch free throws within the final two minutes of the contest. Brian Berritto would collect the final four free throws for the Golden Bears to ice the game for WNE, beating the Gulls 87-82. 

Inside the Arc:

• WNE picks up their first road win of the season, after previously being 0-6 away from the Anthony S. Caprio Alumni Healthful Living Center. WNE's clutch free throw shooting would win them their 6^th conference game of the season
• Jake Harrison would lead Western New England with 24 points on the night, shooting 9-12 from the field, while shooting 3-4 from deep, and 3-5 from the free throw line. Harrison would also collect seven rebounds, one assist, and one steal.
• Alex Sikorski (18 pts., 7-13 FG, 4-6 FT), Tim Restall (15 pts. 6-9 FG, 3-4 FT), and Gavin Greene (10 pts., 5-8 FG) would score in double figures for the Golden Bears as well. 
• Western New England out rebounded Endicott 45-24, including 34-16 on the defensive glass. 
• Endicott was led by Jalen Echevarria, who scored 26 points for the Gulls, while making eight free throws and seven rebounds. 
• WNE shot 55.4% from the field in the win, a season best. Western New England also took a season high 34 free throws. 

Up Next on the Schedule:

• The Golden Bears are headed to Gordon College on Saturday January 29 at 3:00 pm for their third game in a stretch of four games in six nights. 
• Endicott's next game has been postponed vs. Wentworth on Saturday, January 29. Endicott will visit the Alumni Healthful Living Center on Wednesday, February 2 for a 7:30 pm tip-off for their next contest.