Statistics

FRANKLIN, Mass. -- Dean College had a 19-point cushion with less than nine minutes to play, but needed to hang on in the waning seconds for a 115-110 decision against the University of New England men's basketball team on Thursday night (Dec. 6) at Pieri Gymnasium.

The Bulldogs (5-4) led 93-74 at the 8:20 mark of the 2nd half, before a 19-6 spurt from the Nor'easters (2-7) had the spread down to six with 3:24 remaining. UNE hit four treys in the last couple minutes to apply pressure, but the hosts dropped in 10-of-14 free throws in the final 79 seconds to seal the result.

Leading the way for Dean was Jordan Booker with 37 points and six three-pointers. Dayvon Russell notched a triple-double of 24 points, 12 rebounds, 10 assists, and four steals. Double-doubles came from both Armani Baker, with 21 points and 13 rebounds, and Sean Odum, with 14 points, 10 rebounds, five assists, and five blocks. Brandon Szlaien added 11 points.

The Bulldogs grabbed a 55-45 edge on the glass while shooting 52 percent from the floor in the match. The Nor'easters, who shot 41 percent, out-scored DC by nine from deep (18-9) and six at the charity stripe (24-18).

Alex Kravchuk paced UNE with a career-high 33 points, which included 23 after the break. Avery DeBrito went for 20 points and six assists, while Jackson McCoy tallied 14 points, six rebounds, and three blocks. Ricardo Castillo totaled 12 points and a team-best eight rebounds.

The visitors overcame an early eight-point deficit to take a 27-26 advantage in the 1st half, only to see Dean take it largest lead of the period (44-34) in short order. UNE clawed back to within two (49-47) and sat six behind (59-53) through 20 minutes.

The Nor'easters return home to face Colby-Sawyer College on Saturday (3 p.m.).