Newton, MA - The Lasell College men's basketball team defeated Anna Maria College, 77-62, in a GNAC conference matchup Saturday afternoon at the Lasell College Athletic Center. The victory gives Lasell its first win at home this season and improves their overall record to 3-6 (2-1 GNAC).
Junior co-captain Sean Bertanza (Seymor, CT) was the scoring leader for the Lasers scoring a game and team high 17 points. Senior co-captain Javon Williams (Mattapan, MA) and Sonny Mello (Fall River, MA) both chipped in with 14 points. Arthur Alexander (Port St. Lucie, FL) was a leader off the bench with 11 points. Anthony Click (Springfield, MA) and Brad Peterson (North Kingstown, RI) were the leading scorers for the AMCATS, both scoring 15 points.
The 1st half was tight early with the AMCATS leading 12-8 at the 14:08 mark. But a Brock Walters (Jacksonville, FL) three at the 13:32 mark sent Lasell on a 12-0 run to take a 20-12 lead at 9:27. After a Mello three pointer at 6:13 the Lasers increased their lead to 29-16. The AMCATS answered though, going on an 8-0 run to trim the lead to 31-27 at the 1:54 mark. The Lasers took control closing out the half on a 7-2 run, including a Mello layup with 18 seconds left. The first half score would settle at 38-29 with Lasell leading.
Early in the 2nd half Lasell's shooting cooled down a bit, allowing the AMCATS back into the game. A layup by Peterson at 13:06 cut the Lasers' lead to 45-40 with 13:08 left in the game. This was the closest the AMCATS would get as the Lasers' perimeter shooting started heating up. An Alexander three at 9:44 would bring the score to 56-47. Lasell was in complete control the rest of the game, consistently hitting open outside shots and connecting on their free throws. A Mello layup and free throw ended the game with the final score of 77-62.
Lasell shot 56.2% (9-16) from outside the arc while Anna Maria struggled from the three point line, shooting only 28.6 % (2-7). The Lasers also outrebounded Anna Maria 40-22, with Earnest McNeil (Boston, MA) and Williams both grabbing 9 rebounds.
With the loss, the AMCATS, fall to 2-4 overall and 2-1 in the GNAC. Anna Maria's next game is Tuesday, December 13 against non-conference opponent Amherst College.
With the win Lasell goes to 3-6 overall and 2-1 in the GNAC. The Lasers will look to keep the winning ways going, after the holiday break, when they return to action on the road Thursday, January 5 against non-conference opponent Keene State at 7 p.m.