Nighthawks Shine in Home Opener

The Newbury College Men's Basketball team battled with visiting Eastern Nazarene College coming away with a 66-60 victory in their home opener.  The Nighthawks were led by Paul Beckford Jr. (Somerville, MA/Somerville) who dominated the boards with ten rebounds; while Kevin Cleveland (Lynn, MA/Lynn) and Walky Magloire (Waltham, MA/Waltham) each finished with 16 points.

The first half brought a six-point opening run for Newbury and an outstanding rebounding effort by Beckford Jr. who ripped down seven rebounds in 18 minutes played.  The Nighthawks also received solid shooting efforts from Cleveland, Magloire, and John Rowley (Hartford, CT/Rockville) who all recorded six points before the break. 

Newbury entered the second half with a one-point lead (28-27) that was soon tied 34-34 with 17:43 left to play.  The Nighthawks quickly regained momentum, however, as Cleveland connected on a three-pointer followed by two consecutive steals and a 40-34 Newbury lead.  The Crusaders rallied as Kevin Carr (Westminster, MD/Westminster) hit two three-pointers to put Eastern Nazarene up by four with under five minutes on the clock.  A pair of missed Crusader free throws was matched by a pair made by Newbury's Rowley, and the Nighthawks led 58-57; a pair of Eastern Nazarene turnovers led to a quick four points for Newbury; and despite a three-pointer by Karr with three seconds remaining, the Nighthawks were 4-8 from the free throw line sealing the victory 66-60.

Playing well for the Crusaders was Jimmy Gray (West Columbia, SC/Airport) and Karr who came away with 17 and 12 points, respectively. 

Newbury travels to Lesley University on Saturday, January 17, 2009 for a game set to start at 3:00 PM.