Senior Jaykyri Simpson was strong around the basket, scoring the majority of his 22 points in the lane and at the line
Box Score
BIDDEFORD, Maine -- Senior guard
Jaykyri Simpson (East Cleburne, Texas) scored a game-high 22 points to go with eight rebounds and six assists, and the University of New England pulled away midway through the second half for an 84-62 The Commonwealth Coast Conference men's basketball win over Eastern Nazarene College on Wednesday evening at the Campus Center.
The win runs the Nor'easters' consecutive string of victories to 12 and improves their record to 13-3 (4-0 TCCC). The Crusaders now own an overall mark of 4-11, 1-3 in conference play.
Leading 54-49 with 10:14 remaining, the Nor'easters scored seven straight points to grab control of the contest. Senior
Johnnie Jefferson (Dallas, Texas) knocked down a three-pointer off a fastbreak, then Simpson drove the lane for a lay-in on UNE's next possession. Simpson then capped the run with a pair of free throws, giving the Nor'easters a 61-49 advantage with 8:56 on the clock.
The Nor'easters would continue to gradually pull away over the final five minutes.
Simpson was 6 of 10 from the floor and 9 off 11 at the charity stripe en route to his season-high 22 points. Four of his eight boards were on the offensive end and he also added a pair of blocked shots.
UNE first-year guard
Quentin Thompson (Austin, Texas) supported with 18 points, a game-high nine caroms and four steals, while Jefferson finished with 13 points, including a trio of three-point shots. First-year guard
Anthony Johnson (Austin, Texas) added 10 points on a 4-for-6 effort from the floor.
The Nor'easters shot 52 percent (13 of 25) in the second half and were able to force 22 turnovers for the game.
Sophomore guard Jimmy Gray (West Columbia, S.C.) led Eastern Nazarene with 15 points. Classmate DeAngelo Austin (Columbia, S.C.) tallied 12 points and 6'7" junior center Emmanuel Janvier (Milton, Mass.) had 11 points and six rebounds before fouling out with 4:06 remaining.
UNE led 44-33 at halftime despite some hot shooting (57.1 percent) from the Crusaders. The Nor'easters made seven 3-pointers and had 16 points off 11 ENC turnovers to build their 11-point cushion.
The Nor'easters will look to extend their win streak Saturday when they head to Paxton, Mass. for a conference game at Anna Maria College (3:00 p.m.). Eastern Nazarene hosts Regis College that same afternoon at 3:00 p.m.
