Statistics

STANDISH, Maine -- The University of New England men's basketball squad turned in a 15-3 spurt early in the 2nd half to separate from Saint Joseph's College of Maine and defeat the Monks, 84-74, on Wednesday night (Nov. 20) at the Harold Alfond Center.

With the win, the Nor'easters own the program's best five-game start (4-1) since a similar beginning to the 1991-92 season. It was also UNE's first result against the Monks since the 1988-89 campaign, snapping SJC's 41-game streak in the series.

The visitors needed just over three minutes for the deciding run that shifted a 48-46 edge into a 63-49 cushion with 14:28 left. St. Joe's could only get back as close as six a couple times inside the final 80 seconds.

The Nor'easters were powered by four players in double figures that combined to shoot 55 percent from the field and account for all of the team's three-pointers (10-for-17). Alex Kravchuk led the way with 23 points (16 before half) and seven rebounds, while Siddiq Canty dialed up 22 points (16 after half) and four steals. Avery DeBrito notched 17 points (13 before half), seven boards, and seven assists. Jackson McCoy registered 10 of his 12 points following the break.

UNE led most of the way, including 7-0 and 24-16 on the way to 43-41 spread at intermission. The Nor'easters, who received a team-best eight caroms from Jesse Matthews, scored 30 points off 24 SJC turnovers on the evening.

Nicholas Curtis topped the hosts with 22 points. Jack Casale, who dropped 38 in last year's matchup, posted 15 points, 11 rebounds, and seven helpers. Tatsuaki Sakai contributed 12 points for the Monks (0-2).

The Nor'easters take their momentum into the Commonwealth Coast Conference (CCC) opener on Saturday at Wentworth Institute of Technology.