Raiders overcome halftime deficit to upend Emmanuel by one

(Nashua, NH) Junior Tom Poitras (Bow, NH) scored 21 points – including the eventual game winner, as the Rivier University Men's Basketball team defeated the visiting Emmanuel College Saints, 53-52 in a thrilling Great Northeast Athletic Conference contest this afternoon at the Muldoon Gymnasium.

With less than 30 seconds on the clock, Rivier freshman Edward Soucie (South Ryegate, VT) attempted a three pointer that fell short. Before the ball could hit the ground, Poitras collected the ball and laid it off the backboard to give the Raiders a one-point advantage. Emmanuel did attempt a last second shot, however it glanced off the rim and fell to the floor.

Junior Nick Walch (Dedham, MA) continues to be a factor in most of the games this season as he was able record 14 points and 6 rebounds. Junior Mike Polley (Nashua, NH) contributed 6 points off the bench and Poitras finished with 11 rebounds – his first double-double of the season.

Emmanuel, who once had a 32-23 halftime lead, was led by Connor Morgan. Morgan connected on 5-of-7, including 4 three pointers for his team high 16 points. Xavier Everson earned a double-double as he had 11 points and 10 rebounds on the afternoon. Theo Robinson also contributed with 13 points and7 rebounds off the bench.

Rivier (9-10 overall, 5-7 GNAC) will travel to Northfield, Vermont for their next contest which is scheduled for January 31st against Norwich University. Back on January 19th, the Raiders were able to earn a 60-46 victory over the Cadets at home. Emmanuel (4-14 overall, 4-7 GNAC) will also be on the road for their next contest as they travel to New Haven, CT on January 28th to take on #18 Albertus Magnus College.