SALEM, Mass. – The Denison University men's basketball team defeated Nichols College, 72-59, Tuesday afternoon in the consolation game of the Salem State Christmas Tournament. Nichols was led by 21 points, including 13 in the second half, from junior guard Chris Paquin (Barre, Mass.)

Junior forward Ryan Wilcox (West Granby, Conn.) picked up nine first-half points and six rebounds while senior guard Jeff Lindgren (Sturbridge, Mass.) recorded nine points on the night. Sophomore guard Justin Aldrich (Douglas, Mass.) added four points, three rebounds and four assists. Sophomore forward Chris Smith (Moosup, Conn.) posted a game-high nine rebounds to go with two points and an assist.

Caleb Mcferren and Chris Luther led Denison (3-7) with 14 points and six rebounds apiece, while Pat Sullivan added 13 points and six boards.

Nichols (4-7) jumped out to a seven-point lead less than five minutes into the game, but the Big Red stormed back to tie the game within a minute and a half. Nichols reclaimed the lead briefly in the middle of the frame before Denison took the lead for good, holding a 43-30 advantage at the half.

A Pete Atkins (Gainesville, Fla.) layup capped 14-5 run midway through the second half to bring Nichols within six points, and a pair of Bryan Riley (West Boylston, Mass.) free throws with just under six minutes left kept the game in check at 61-75, but the Big Red closed the game on an 11-4 run to claim third place in the tournament.

Denison capitalized on the Bison's 20 turnovers, converting them into 27 points, while Nichols claimed a 44-35 advantage off the glass in the game, including a 19-9 margin in offensive boards.

The Bison are back in action in the New Year, traveling to UMass Boston for a 7 p.m. game on Wednesday, January 6. 

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