Nighthawks Upset Mountaineers, 77-62

The Newbury College men’s basketball team upset Southern Vermont College, 77-62, Saturday afternoon in NECC action. Five Nighthawks scored in double-figures led by sophomore guard Tim Young (Brockton, MA/Brockton) with 20 points. Sophomore forward Rondell Best (Brockton, MA/Brockton) recorded his first double-double of the season tallying 11 points and 11 boards. Southern Vermont’s freshman forward Ben Naaktgeboren (Cambridge, N.Y./Cambridge) matched Young with 20 points scored in their defeat.

The Mountaineers and Nighthawks battled back-and-forth early in the first half. Newbury went on a 15 to 3 run capped by a 3-pointer by Best who was assisted by Kwame Thompson (Brockton, MA/Brockton). With 6:46 remaining, a 3-pointer by Young gave the Nighthawks a 17 point advantage, 38-21, their largest of the game. Southern Vermont battled back cutting the lead to nine points at the half, 42-33, led by Derrick Cenicola (Hamilton, N.Y./Hamilton Central) who hit for three 3-pointers scoring 12 total points in the first half.

Southern Vermont’s momentum was cut short after the half with Newbury’s sophomore guard John Rowley (Hartford, CT/Rockville) hitting a quick 3-pointer. Two free-throws by Mountaineers freshman guard Greg Holt (Providence, R.I./Classical) cut Newbury’s lead to six with 5:25 remaining. Newbury was able to fend off Southern Vermont for the remainder of the game highlighted by Eric Watson’s (New Rochelle, NY/New Rochelle) drive to the basket and completion of a three-point play at the foul line. Nighthawks’ freshman forward, and NECC Player of the Week, Peterson Bernard (Boston, MA/Madison Park) contributed in the Nighthawks’ victory with 14 points and 9 rebounds.

Newbury College’s overall record improves to 6-12 and 5-4 in the NECC. Southern Vermont College falls to 11-8 overall and 5-3 in conference play. The Nighthawks return to action Tuesday, February 1st when they host non-conference opponent Fitchburg State College at 7:00pm.

- Game photo by: Samantha Yanofsky