Men’s Basketball Falls in First Round to Norwich 65-63

NORTHFIELD, VT: The Rivier men's basketball team fell this evening in the first round of the GNAC Tournament to Norwich University. This marks the end of a great season by the men's basketball student-athletes.   

THE BASICS:

- Date: 2/22/22

- Score: Norwich 65, Rivier 63

- Records: Norwich (15-11), Rivier (10-15)

HOW IT HAPPENED:

-  This first round playoff game was neck and neck the entire game. There were seven lead changes and three ties. For the first time, Norwich led at the half in part to Donovan Lewis and his 11 points. Kyle Booth chipped in nine points and seven rebounds for the Cadets.

- Miles Gillette (Washington, DC) had another big first half for the Raiders, scoring 18 points and hauling in seven rebounds. Only four Raiders scored in the first half.

- Norwich got production from six student-athletes in the second half, with 20 points of their 32 coming from Jalen Olivero and Lewis. Each had 10 points in the second half, along with Lewis pulling down another six rebounds.

- Gillette put in another 10 points and nine boards to help the Raiders win the half. Nikolas Pignone (Stoneham, MA) had the team high with 12 points. With his fourth three-pointer in the half, Pignone made it a one-point game with just 1:20 remaining. However, Olivero would come down the court to push the lead back to three with a made layup.  

INSIDE THE NUMBERS:

-  Gillette ended the game with 28 points, 16 rebounds, and two blocks.

-  Lewis had 21 points and nine rebounds.

-  Pignone finished with 15 points going 5-of-8 from three and 5-of-9 from the floor.

STAY CONNECTED:

- For the latest on Rivier University Athletics, follow the Raiders via social media on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram.