Men’s Hoops Prevails Over Green Mountain 91-62; Advances to ENC Classic Championship

QUINCY, Mass.- The Eastern Nazarene College men's basketball team notched a 91-62 victory over Green Mountain in the opening tilt of the ENC Basketball Classic Friday evening at Lahue Physical Education Center.

The Lions improve to 3-0 on the season with the win while the Eagles fall to 0-3 overall.

Jaylen Owens (Johns Creek, Ga.) poured in a game-high 29 points to lead the home team while adding nine assists, five rebounds and four steals. Justin Wagner (Oklahoma City, Okla.) finished with 15 points and five boards after draining five treys. Carlos Hamlett (Roswell, Ga.) contributed with 10 points off the bench while Corey Doran netted eight points and six rebounds.

Eastern Nazarene made the first basket of the game as Owens nailed a deep three-pointer just 38 seconds after the tip.

The Lions stretched the lead to eight points after five minutes of play, 12-4, on a lay-in by Patrick Michel (Weston, Fla.).

The home side widened the gap to double-figures with 4:13 left to play in the period as Justin Wagner knocked down a triple, 34-22.

Eastern Nazarene sported a 40-34 advantage at halftime.

Owens paced the Lions with 13 first-half points while Michel and Justin Wagner each tallied six points.

The hosts sank half of their field-goal attempts in the first frame while shooting 55.6% from long distance. The guests were held to 37.9% shooting from the floor and 37.5% shooting from three-point range.

Eastern Nazarene pushed its lead to 17 points with 15:44 on the clock as Owens banked in a fast-break lay-up, 55-38.

The Lions maintained control of the lead throughout the game and picked up their largest lead of the night with 49 seconds to go as Hamlett sank a three-pointer.

Eastern Nazarene finished with a field-goal percentage of 50.8% on the night while connecting on 55.6% of its three-point attempts. Green Mountain shot 37.3% from the floor and 31.6% from beyond the arc in the game.

Up next, the Lions will battle St. Joseph's College-Brooklyn in the ENC Basketball Classic Championship November 22 at 3 pm.

The Bears defeated UMaine-Presque Isle 61-60 in the second game of the night.

Michael Megafu paced St. Joseph's with 18 points and 13 boards while David Louison also posted a double-double with 16 rebounds and 10 points.

Kevin Collins led the Owls with 22 points in the loss while Chase Vicaire netted 13 points and Maurice Harris finished with 11 points.

UMaine-Presque Isle and Green Mountain College will meet in the consolation contest November 22 at 1 pm.