Men’s Basketball Slides by Blazers, 59-57

CHICOPEE, Mass. – The Rivier men's basketball team earned their third-straight win and second conference win at Picknelly Arena on Saturday afternoon against Elms in as the Raiders downed the Blazers 59-57 in Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) play to collect their eighth win of the season, going 8-2 overall and 2-0 in the GNAC.

The program continues to break records, as they now have their best record yet through ten games, dating back to 1992-93. Elms fell to 2-10 (0-2 GNAC) with the loss.

About seven minutes into the contest, Ahamadou Sillah nailed a three-pointer to earn the first lead for the Raiders, 11-8.  The Raiders largest lead of the game came just 9:39 into the first half when Sillah hit two free throws to make it 18-10. Rivier protected a four-point lead at halftime.

The hosts retook the lead just 4:19 into the half as Teron Griffin and Tahquell Cadel made back-to-back layups to give the Blazers a 38-36 edge. A Devin Owens three-pointer gave the Raiders a 42-40 lead less than two minutes later. The lead would change two more times Rivier narrowly held on for the remainder of the contest with a key made three-pointer from Ghared Boyce coming with 2:20 remaining to help seal the team's eighth victory.

Sillah tallied 20 points, five assists, and three rebounds to guide Rivier to their win. O'Darius Cade tallied nine points, four rebounds, and two steals while Ghared Boyce came off the bench to total nine points, two steals, and two rebounds.

The Raiders cashed in nine of their 32 tries from deep while being outrebounded 40-20. Rivier recorded 10 steals as Elms turned the ball over 23 times as the Raiders recorded 18 points off turnovers.

 After a nearly month-long holiday break, Rivier will return to GNAC play in a road matchup with New England Col. on Saturday, Jan. 6 with tip-off from Bridgers Gym set for 3:30 p.m.