Raiders fall in season opener to Plymouth State

(Concord, NH) The Rivier College Men's Basketball team dropped their 2011-12 season opener tonight, 76-66 against Plymouth State University in the 12th annual Jabob's Bridge Through Autism Classic hosted by New Hampshire Technical Institute.

Sophomore Tom Poitras (Bow, NH) paced the Raider offense as he had a team high 16 points. Classmate Jake Nelson (Nashua, NH) finished the game with 13 points while junior Garon Whitney (Dover, NH) added 11 points off the bench.

The teams traded baskets in the early-going and the score was tied at 19 before Plymouth State (1-0) went on a 15-5 spurt to open up a double-digit lead. The Raiders found themselves down by 15 at one point before trimming the deficit to 11 points, 40-29 heading into halftime.

Rivier (0-1) played tough in the second half as the were within 7 on several occasions early in the half. The Raiders found themselves within three points with two minutes left but Plymouth State was able to drain a big three pointer and ride the momentum to a 10 point victory.

Panther's junior Matt Cloutier was the game high scorer as he dropped in 20 points. Senior Jesse Sabolis added 15 while sophomore Petey Skevas had a strong night with 12 points and 8 assists.

Rivier will be back in action this Friday night when they host Fitchburg State University in the 2011 Rivier College - All Metals Industries Men's Basketball Classic. Game time is set for 6pm inside the Muldoon Fitness Center Gymnasium.