Late Basket lifts Monks over Raiders

(Nashua, NH) The Rivier University Men's Basketball team fell to the visiting Monks of Saint Joseph's College this afternoon, 56-55 in a thrilling Great Northeast Athletic Conference game.

SJC junior Nicholas Jobin (Westbrook, ME/Westbrook) drilled a jumper from just inside the free throw line to lift the Monks to their 8th victory of the season.

Rivier senior Garon Whitney (Dover, NH/Dover) drilled a 3-pointer with under 2 minutes to play, to give the Raiders a 55-51 lead. However Saint Joseph's was able to answer with a three of their own, courtesy of sophomore Steve Simonds (Steep Falls, ME/Bonny Eagle) who knocked it down with 1:22 remaining. Simonds would then make the play of the game as he was able to steal a pass and give the Monks a last shot opportunity.

The Raiders, who are now 6-7 overall and 2-3 in the GNAC, were led by junior Tom Poitras (Bow, NH/Bow). Poitras recorded 18 points (7-for-15) and collected 7 rebounds – both team highs. Classmate Nick Walch (Dedham, MA/Dedham) also had a double-digit night as he had 14 points.

Jobin was the high scorer for the Monks as he was 7-for-12 from the floor and had 16 points total. He also pulled down 6 rebounds. Simonds finished the game with 10 points as did junior Matthew Medeiros (Westport, MA/Westport) and senior Julio Vazquez (Waterbury, CT/Crosby).

Rivier will return to action on Tuesday night (1/15) as they travel to Anna Maria for a 7pm GNAC contest. Saint Joseph's will host Mount Ida at 7:30pm on Tuesday as well.