Men’s Basketball Powers Past Elms, 85-67

NASHUA, N.H. —

The Rivier men's basketball team won its Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) home opener against Elms on Tuesday night at the Muldoon Center by a final score of 85-67.

With the win the Raiders improved to 9-4 (2-0 GNAC) while the Blazers dropped to 1-12 (1-1 GNAC).

Facing an early 8-5 deficit, the Raiders used an 11-4 run that was capped off with a layup from graduate Joey Merrill to take a 16-12 lead with 13:51 remaining in the first half. Back-to-back layups by graduate Kyler Bosse extended the lead to 20-12, forcing the Blazers into a timeout at the 11:22 mark. Elms cut the lead to three points but a trifecta of threes from Bosse, junior Matt Constant, and senior Odarius Cade pushed the lead to 29-17. The Blazers responded with an 11-2 run over the next three minutes, bringing the game back to a one-possession game. The Raiders countered with their own 7-0 run to take a 37-28 advantage as both teams closed out the half strong, leaving Rivier ahead 39-22 at the break.

The teams traded baskets in the opening minutes of the second half, with the Raiders holding a 45-39 lead with 16:18 to play. Consecutive three-pointers from Constant and junior Robenson Baguidy extended the Raiders advantage to 51-41. Both teams continued to battle but an emphatic dunk from Bosse gave the Raiders a 13 point-lead at the 8:44 mark. Elms refused to back down and ignited a 13-5 run to bring the game within five points with just under five minutes remaining. Rivier closed the game on a 15-2 run to secure the 85-67 victory.

Bosse and Constant led the Raiders' offense, scoring 22 apiece. Bosse added seven rebounds and a block, while Constant contributed eight rebounds and three assists. Merrill followed with 19 points, eight rebounds, and five assists. Baguidy was efficient, shooting a perfect 3-for-3 from the field for 11 points, while also recording eight assists and five rebounds.

The Raiders continue conference play on Saturday, Jan. 11, with a matchup against New England Col. on Youth Sports Day at the Muldoon Center. Tip-off is scheduled for noon.