Second-Half Surge Powers Men’s Basketball to 85-70 Victory over University of New England

QUINCY, Mass.- The Eastern Nazarene College men's basketball team collected an 85-70 win over the University of New England Saturday afternoon at the Lahue Physical Education Center.

The Lions vault to 16-2 on the season and 9-2 in the Commonwealth Coast Conference with the victory. The Nor'easters fall to 5-14 overall and 3-9 in league play with the result.

Jaylen Owens (Johns Creek, Ga.) posted a game-high 21 points to go with five rebounds, four assists and three steals. Eric Lynch (Alpharetta, Ga.) finished with 19 points, six boards and three assists. Alex Jarman (Portsmouth, R.I.) scored 15 points and grabbed seven rebounds. Christian Lynch (Alpharetta, Ga.) contributed with 11 points and five boards off the bench.

The hosts started the game strong as they generated a 10-2 lead 4:30 into the contest. Eastern Nazarene widened the gap to 11 points with 7:16 remaining as Eric Lynch banked in a layup, 26-15.

The University of New England battled back to even the score at 35-35 just before the halftime buzzer.

Eric Lynch led the Lions with nine first-half points while Owens added seven points.

Eastern Nazarene shot 55.2% from the floor in the first half to go with 33.3% shooting from three-point range. The Nor'easters posted a field-goal percentage of 48.1% in the first half while draining five three-pointers on eight attempts.

The University of New England gained a four-point lead with 15:42 on the clock, 45-41, as Devin Thompson tossed in a layup.

The Lions clawed back to establish a nine-point edge at the midway point of the second half, 61-52.

The home side utilized a 13-0 run to stretch its advantage to 18 with less than seven minutes to go.

Eastern Nazarene kept the Nor'easters at bay for the remainder of the game to secure its 16th win of the year.

The Lions finished with a field-goal percentage of 51.6% while connecting on 4-of-15 from beyond the arc. The Nor'easters shot 42.9% from the floor and 42.1% from outside the perimeter on the day.

Up next, Eastern Nazarene welcomes Roger Williams to the Lahue Physical Education Center February 3.