BRISTOL, R.I. – Senior Jason Ganley (Northbridge, Mass.) scored 19 points in the first half to lift the Wentworth men's basketball team over Roger Williams University, 66-60, on Thursday evening inside the Campus Recreation Center.
The Leopards win their second straight and improve to 11-5 overall and 6-3 against league opponents, while the Hawks drop to 11-5 and 5-4 in conference play.
Ganley broke open the scoring with four points after the first whistle, before senior Conor O'Brien (Sharon, Mass.) came up with a strong drive to the basket to put the Hawks on the board. Ganley made it a five-point game, 7-2 with a deep three-pointer, as the Leopards scored the next six of ten points to double up on the hosts, 13-6. Junior Jake Heaton (Shelton, Conn.) capped a 10-3 spurt for the Hawks to knot the score 16-16, but Wentworth outscored the hosts 21-11 to shut the doors on the first half with a 37-27 lead.
Sophomore Stephen Azums (Hyde Park, Mass.), senior Cesar Fulcar (Watertown, Mass.), and Ganley kept the lengthy Leopard lead with a combined six points to open the second half. The Hawks staged a late comeback, as senior Nick Martini (Loudonville, N.Y.) drove in the paint to erase the double-digit setback, 53-42, with 9:36 on the clock. Martini ignited a 6-0 run for the Hawks, as the hosts pulled within seven, forcing a time out from Wentworth. Roger Williams drew a foul and sank two free throws at 3:24, pulling within a single possession 56-53, but a 4-0 run from Wentworth prevented the Hawks from getting any closer. Senior Jaylen Jennings (Norwalk, Conn.) knocked down a trey with 16 seconds left in regulation, but Wentworth held on for the 66-60 final.
Ganley finished with a game-high 24 points and five rebounds, while Azums registered a monster double-double with 18 points and 19 boards.
Marini led the Hawks with 19 points, six assists, and three rebounds. Junior Austin Coene (Tyngsborough, Mass.) finished with 12 points with five steals.
Wentworth is back on the road for a league game on Saturday, January 20 against Salve Regina. Tip-off between the Leopards and the Seahawks is set for 3:00 p.m.
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