Men's Basketball earns tough GNAC win over Lasell, 74-70

(Nashua, N.H.) The Rivier Men's Basketball team defeated the visiting Lasell College Lasers by the score of 74-70 this evening at the Muldoon Gymnasium. With the win, the Raiders improve to 4-17 (3-11 GNAC). With the loss, the Lasers drop to 6-14 (5-9 GNAC).

The first half was very competitive for both teams. At first, both the Raiders and Lasers traded basket for basket. Each team staying with one another, making for an exciting opening half. Unfortunately for the Raiders, Lasell, after warming up, began its hot shooting. In the first half alone, the Lasers were able to shoot an impressive 52% from the field on 9 of 17 shooting. There hot shooting included an outstanding 63% shooting from 3-point range, knocking down 7 of 11.

Lasell's defense was also very impressive, as it held the Raiders to just 35% from the field on 12 0f 34 shooting. From 3-point range, the Raiders were held to just 3 of 9 shooting (33%). Although Lasell had a great half shooting and a great half defensively, the Raiders were able to stick with the Lasers and keep the game relatively close. The Raiders trailed at half by the score of 36-28.

Lasell had good first half numbers turned in by Richard O'Brien (Manchester, N.H.) who was able to score a game high 12 points on 3 of 5 shooting from 3-point range, and 3 of 3 from the free throw line. Scott Arsenault (Walpole, Mass.) also had a very good shooting half, as he scored 11 points on 3 of 5 shooting from the 3-point line, and 2 of 2 from the free throw line. Jeremy Daniel (Bridgeport, Conn) only recorded one point for the Lasers, but he was able to record 3 key assists, and was the tone setter for the Lasers on offense.

Rivier had good first half numbers turned in by Kywane Thomas (Hartford, Conn.) who recorded a team high 7 points, Kevin Francis (Cromwell, Conn.) who added 6 points , senior Jake Nelson (Nashua, N.H.) who recorded 5 points and 3 assists, and Edward Soucie (South Ryegate, V.T.) who also scored 5 points and tallied 2 assists.)

The second half featured some very exciting and fast paced play by both sides. Coming down to the last whistle, this game was back and forth for the duration. At the 11 minute mark, however, the Raiders, with some rather impressive offensive and defensive work, used a 8-0 run to pull to within 2 points of the Lasers, shifting momentum and ultimately, forcing Lasell to play smart and aggressive for the remainder of the half.  For the most part, the Raiders attempts to pressure and rush the Lasers on offense worked. Late foul trouble for Lasell was also another key reason as to why the Raiders were able to take the lead late, up 65-63 with 1:32 left. Ultimately, Lasell's efforts were shut down, leading to their demise.

Rivier had good performances turned in by freshman Andre Ruff (Lowell, Mass.) who led all Raiders with 25 points. Senior Jake Nelson (Nashua, N.H.) also recorded 15 points for the Raiders, while Edward Soucie (South Ryegate, V.T.) finished with 14 points.

Lasell had good performances turned in by Scott Arsenault (Walpole, Mass.) who finished with 22 points, while Richard O'Brien (Manchester, N.H.) finished with 16 points. Brock Walters (Jacksonville, FL.) finished with 11 points.

For their next contest, the Rivier Men's Basketball team will host Mount Ida College in a GNAC matchup. The game is scheduled to begin at 5:00pm on Thursday, February 12^th. For the Lasers, they will next travel to Amherst College Thursday, February 12^th at 7:00pm in a non-conference game.