Statistics

BRISTOL, R.I. -- Roger Williams University saw an 18-point, 2nd-half cushion completely erased but managed to record an 85-76 Commonwealth Coast Conference (CCC) men's basketball decision against the University of New England on Tuesday night (Jan. 7) at the Campus Rec Center.

The Hawks (10-3, 2-2 CCC) led by a 46-28 margin just over one minute into the final session, and the gap was still 54-40 with under 14 remaining, but then the Nor'easters (6-6, 1-3 CCC) began to rally. Over the next nine minutes, UNE hit 11-of-15 field goals as part of a 29-15 run that pulled the visitors even (69-69) with 4:23 left. Alex Kravchuk had 13 points in the span, and Avery DeBrito accounted for the last five.

Three free throws separated RWU back in front and DeBrito answered with a bucket at the 3:09 mark to make it 72-71 in favor of the hosts, but that was as close as the Nor'easters would get in the waning moments.

Drew Hart paced the Hawks with 30 points, 15 rebounds, and five assists. Rich Pugliese chipped in with 21 points on 10-of-14 shooting, and JJ Pfohl added 11 points along with seven caroms.

DeBrito topped UNE with 22 points and five helpers, while Siddiq Canty dialed up 18 points, seven rebounds, five assists, and three steals. Kravchuk finished with 17 points, and Jackson McCoy registered 10 points with seven boards.

The home squad shot 53 percent for the match, better than the 43 percent of the Nor'easters.

UNE led 4-0 in the game but was nearly doubled up (31-16) over the last 16 minutes of the opening half to trail by a 41-26 spread at the break.

The Nor'easters return to action Thursday at Curry College.