Box Score SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (Jan. 27) – Led by a career-high 30 points from sophomore guard Justin Kuntz (Wallingford, Conn.) the Nichols College men's basketball team exploded past Western New England, 90-73, for their first win in The Commonwealth Coast Conference (TCCC) play on Thursday (Jan. 27) evening at the Alumni Healthful Living Center. The Bison, who snapped a six-game skid with the win, improve to 4-13 overall and 1-4 in TCCC action.

Freshman forward Ryan Sheehan (North Attleboro, Mass.) was second on the team with 26 points in the contest, going 10-of-20 from the floor and 6-of-9 from three. Sophomore forward Kyle Mascilak (Sparta, N.J.) came off the bench to score 18 points and grab a team-high nine rebounds. Junior guard Michael Salis (Nashua, N.H.) tallied a game-high 11 assists, and also scored eight points in the contest.

The Bison took a slim 40-36 lead into the half, pulling away in the second stanza by shooting a sizzling 60% from the field (21-35).

Western New England was led by senior guard Andre Duncan with 18 points and 10 rebounds, both new career-highs. Duncan finished the game shooting 75% (6-of-8) from the floor, including 4-of-6 from downtown. Senior forward Brad Thomka contributed 11 points, six rebounds, and four blocks.

Sophomore guard Damon Alston scored 13 points, including knocking down 3-of-5 from beyond the arc.
Nichols held a decisive 44-22 advantage in points scored in the paint; and also enjoyed an 18-2 edge in points in transition. The Bison converted 29 points off of 20 Golden Bear turnovers.

Nichols had its highest offensive output since its last meeting with WNEC almost a year ago, in which the Bison posted a 92-79 victory in Dudley.

Western New England (1-15, 1-5 TCCC) returns to action on Saturday (Jan. 29) at 3:00 p.m. as they travel to take on the University of New England in a TCCC contest. Nichols will host Curry on Saturday at 2:00 p.m. in conference play.

Story courtesy WNEC Sports Information

Box Score