Box Score

BRISTOL, R.I. – Senior captain Ryan Sheehan (North Attleboro, Mass.) poured in a game-high 21 points in Nichols College's 72-67 win at Roger Williams University Wednesday evening in Commonwealth Coast Conference (CCC) men's basketball action.

Junior Matt Langadas (Sebago, Maine) finished with 15 points and five rebounds off the bench while classmate Joe Gallant (Salem, N.H.) contributed eight points and eight boards as the Bison (13-4, 9-1 CCC) tied a program-record with their eighth-straight win. The feat was previously accomplished during the 1953-54 campaign and again during the 1965-66 season.

Freshman Chris Bardwell (North Andover, Mass.) finished just shy of a double-double, going for 14 points and nine rebounds to pace the Hawks (5-13, 4-7 CCC). Junior Ryan Palumbo (Warwick, R.I.) had 13 points, five rebounds, and six assists while classmate Joseph Henry (Medway, Mass.) chipped in with 11 points off the pine.

The beginning of the first half of this conference battle remained close as Roger Williams and Nichols traded baskets. Nichols was the first to strike on a made jumper by senior Sam Horning (Falmouth, Maine), but an offensive put-back by freshman forward Josh Syska (Peabody, Mass.) on the next Hawk possession quickly put the Hawks on the board as well.

The Hawks were able to keep up with the fast-paced Bison as a three-point play by Palumbo tied the game at four after a previous made floater by Nichols sophomore Christian Horton (Rutland, Mass.). A layup by Bardwell and a three-pointer on the next possession gave Roger Williams a 12-7 lead before the team got into foul trouble and Nichols took advantage.

The Bison kept connecting from beyond the arc as three-pointers from junior Marlon Bennett (Stratford, Conn.) and sophomore Irving Eggleston (East Lyme, Conn.) put the Bison up 15-14. Langadas and Eggelston followed with three-point plays that gave the visitors a 21-17 lead. Roger Williams got as close as eight before the Bison settled into a 40-26 halftime lead.

Bardwell opened the second half with a layup, which was quickly followed by a Bison score as Gallant connected on a layup of his own. As the Hawks struggled on offense, the Bison built a 15-point lead. Late in the half, the Hawks offense began to heat up from beyond the arc, starting with a triple from sophomore Josh McCourt (Lincoln, R.I.).

At the 6:46 mark, senior Will Gerencer (Bowdoin, Maine) followed his teammate's lead and connected from deep to cut the Nichols lead to 11. However, the Hawks continued to struggle with foul trouble, and Nichols was able to make key foul shots that kept them ahead by 10.

Roger Williams continued to be sharp from the field as junior Joseph Henry (Medway, Mass.) hit a three and then a layup with 4:13 to go to make it an eight-point game. The Hawks then cut the lead to five on another three from Henry and sharp shooting by freshman Zac Campbell (Woodbridge, Conn.).

From there, Sheehan took over for the Bison and helped seal the win with foul shots down the stretch.

The Bison shot 47 percent from the field and rattled in five three-pointers. They also held a 39-36 edge on the glass and overcame 10 three-pointers from the Hawks.

Nichols hosts Salve Regina Saturday at 2 p.m. The Hawks play at Western New England Saturday at 3 p.m.

Contributions fron Roger Williams sports information