Statistics

BOSTON – Wentworth Institute of Technology opened up a big lead late in the first half and later closed out a 99-85 Conference of New England victory over the University of New England men's basketball team Wednesday evening inside Tansey Gymnasium.
 
The Leopards turned a 30-29 edge with 8:48 on the clock in the opening half into a lopsided 56-33 lead with a minute and change remaining before the break, completing a 26-4 run that helped the hosts take a commanding 56-38 lead into halftime. The Nor'easters were unable to trim that deficit to single digits during the second half, only coming as close as 13 points.
 
Wentworth's Colin Mannke recorded a double-double with 24 points and 10 rebounds – both game highs. Mannke was 9-for-14 from the floor, including an impressive 5-for-8 from deep. He was supported by Chase Mello and Jayden Williams, who totaled 17 points apiece. Mello nearly earned a double-double of his own, finishing with nine assists.
 
The Leopards rained down nine 3-pointers during the first half, eventually finishing the evening 13-for-33 from deep. UNE tied its season high with 12 made triples on 32 attempts. Adam Lux and Jayden Thornton both hit four; Lux was an unblemished 4-for-4 from the perimeter. Thornton led the Nor'easters in the scoring column with 22, while Lux and Adrian Torres both put up 16.
 
Wentworth earned a 44-33 advantage on the glass, which helped compensate for its 18 turnovers.
 
The Nor'easters close out the regular season at home against Hartford on Saturday, Feb. 21. Tip-off on Coach Beaudry's Court is set for 3 p.m.