Box Score

HENNIKER, N.H. -- Sophomore guard Victor Oruonyehu (Austin, Texas) made 15 of 16 free throw attempts on his way to a career-high 26 points to lead the University of New England men's basketball team to a 80-67 victory over New England College in a mutual The Commonwealth Coast Conference opener Saturday afternoon at Bridges Gymnasium.

The reigning TCCC champion Nor'easters upped their overall record to 4-7, while the Pilgrims dropped to 5-8.

Oruonyehu eclipsed his previous career-best scoring output of 16 by taking advantage of the 29 personal fouls committed by NEC. Sophomore guard Anthony Johnson came off the bench to contribute 18 points and grab eight rebounds, while classmate Marcus Winn scored 11 in a reserve role, including three 3-pointers. Junior guard Chas Rentrope added 10 points.

For the game, the Nor'easters connected on 29 of 38 free throw attempts, while nailing 11 shots from beyond the three-point arc.

Eric Lenahan was the lone Pilgrim player score in double digits. He had 18 points and collected eight boards. 

UNE was red-hot from beyond the arc early in the contest, making 5 of its first 6 three-point attempts to establish a 22-9 lead midway thru the frame.

The host Pilgrims whittled away at their deficit the reminder at the half to trail 32-25 at intermission.

A 7-0 run early in the second half got the Nor'easters' cushion back to double digits, and UNE would go 26-for-34 at the charity stripe after halftime to help secure victory.

The Nor'easters return to action Tuesday at the Campus Center when Curry College comes to Biddeford for an 8 p.m. tip-off.