Box Score

NEWPORT, R.I. -- Senior Johnnie Jefferson (Dallas, Texas) and first-year Quentin Thompson (Austin, Texas) combined for 49 points and 16 rebounds to lead the University of New England to an 83-73 The Commonwealth Coast Conference win over Salve Regina University on Saturday afternoon at the Rodgers Recreation Center.

The Nor'easters extended their win streak to 11 games in upping their overall record to 12-3 and improving to 3-0 in conference play.  Salve now stands at 6-8, 2-1 in TCCC games.

Jefferson and Thompson each scored 10 first-half points to help UNE build a 35-25 lead.  Senior guard Steve Belmonte (Levittown, N.Y.) knocked down three 3-pointers to support with nine points.  The Nor'easters led by 10 despite committing 15 turnovers.

The hosts came out strong in the final stanza, outscoring UNE 17-6 over the opening five minutes to establish a 42-41 lead.  

A three-pointer by first-year guard Victor Oruonyehu (Austin, Texas) gave the Nor'easters the lead (44-42) for good, and UNE went on a 11-2 surge to build an eight-point cushion.  The Seahawks would get no closer than five the remainder of the contest.

Jefferson made three treys and was 8-for-8 from the free throw line en route to his game-high 25 points.  He also grabbed a game-high nine rebounds and dished out four assists.  Thompson contributed seven boards and four steals in addition to his 24 points, matching a season high.

Belmonte finished with 14 points and seven caroms, while senior Jaykyri Simpson (East Cleburne, Texas) added 10 points, six rebounds and six steals.

Justin Woodworth led five Salve players in double figures with 17 points.  The Seahawks were hampered by 29 turnovers, leading to 35 UNE points.

The Nor'easters will look for a dozen consecutive wins on Wednesday when they host Eastern Nazarene College at 8:00 p.m.  That contest will be Web cast live at http://athletics.une.edu/stream.asx