Box Score Box Score
DUDLEY, Mass.- Seniors Chris Vallee (Fitchburg, Mass.) and Ron Powers (Millville, Mass.) combined for 26 points to lead Nichols to a thrilling 81-79 victory over the University of New England in The Commonwealth Coast Conference men's basketball action on Saturday. The Bison close out the year 10-15 overall and 6-7 in the conference. The Nor'easters fall to 13-12 overall and 7-6 in conference action.
The lead changed hands six times in the first half before the Nor'easters used a 13-1 run to grab a ten point lead, 39-29, with 1:44 left until halftime. Junior Johnnie Jefferson (Dallas, Texas) ignited the drive, scoring eight straight points, including back-to-back threes. Nichols freshman Chris Smith (Moosup, Conn.) got the Bison to within four by halftime, connecting on a pair of lay-ups, including one at the buzzer.
Jefferson and freshman Chas Rentrope (Peoria, Ariz.) each led UNE with ten points in the half. Junior Jeff Lindgren (Sturbridge, Mass.) had a team-high nine points for Nichols while Smith added seven off 3-3 shooting.
The Bison started the second half with a 9-2 run, giving them a 43-41 advantage. An 11 point outburst by freshman Garret Bishop (Saratoga Springs, N.Y.) later in the half gave Nichols a five point edge, 61-56. A three by sophomore Chris Paquin (Barre, Mass.) extended the lead to ten, Nichols largest of the game, with 4:24 left. A 13-3 run by UNE spanning the next two minutes tied the game at 78 all.
Valle hit a pair of free throws with 47 seconds on the clock while senior Isaac Stickney (Rumford, Maine) went 1-2 at the line with 24 seconds left to keep Nichols ahead by one, 80-79. The Nor'easters got the ball right back, however, as sophomore Bryan Riley (West Boylston, Mass.) stepped out of bounds while going for the rebound. Looking for the last shot and win, Jefferson went one-on-one with Vallee before Riley was able to steal the ball away from Jefferson. With a clear path to the basket, Jefferson intentionally fouled Riley with two seconds left to give Nichols the season-ending victory.
Powers finished with a team-high 14 points to go along with six rebounds, four assists and one steal. Vallee totaled 12 points, five rebounds and two assists. Also scoring in double-figures for the Bison were Paquin with 12, Bishop with 11 and Smith with 11 as well. Senior Eric Foster (Rochester, N.H.), earning the start today, contributed five rebounds, including three on the offensive end.
Stickney scored his 1,000th career point on his free throw with 24 seconds left in the game. He finished with 18 points and 12 rebounds. Rentrope registered a game-high 22 points along with six rebounds and four steals. Jefferson posted 20 points as well as six rebounds.
Prior to the game, Nichols honored its three seniors (Foster, Powers and Vallee). The University of New England advances to The Commonwealth Coast Conference Quarterfinals, which are set to begin this Tuesday, Feb. 26.
