(Nashua, N.H.) The Lasell College men's basketball team fell short to Rivier University, 74-70, in a Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) battle this evening in the Muldoon Gymnasium. With the set back, the Lasers drop to 6-14 5-9 (GNAC) while the Raiders improve to 4-17 (3-11 GNAC).

The first half was competitive for both teams. At first, both the Raiders and Lasers traded basket for basket. Each team staying with one another, making for an exciting opening half. Unfortunately for the Raiders, Lasell, after warming up, began its hot shooting. In the first half alone, the Lasers were able to shoot an impressive 52% from the field on 9 of 17 shooting. Their hot shooting included an outstanding 63% shooting from 3-point range, knocking down 7 of 11. 

Lasell's defense was also impressive, as it held the Raiders to just 35% from the field on 12 of 34 shooting. From 3-point range, the Raiders were held to just 3 of 9 shooting (33%). Although Lasell had a great half shooting and a strong half defensively, the Raiders were able to stick with the Lasers and keep the game relatively close. The Raiders trailed 36-28 at halftime.

Lasell had good first half numbers turned in by junior Richard O'Brien (Manchester, N.H.) who was able to score a game high 12 points on 3 of 5 shooting from 3-point range, and 3 of 3 from the free throw line. Freshman Scott Arsenault (Walpole, Mass.) also had an impressive half, as he scored 11 points on 3 of 5 shooting from the 3-point line, and 2 of 2 from the free throw line. Jeremy Daniel (Bridgeport, Conn.) recorded one point for the Lasers, but was able to record three key assists, and was the tone setter for the Lasers on offense. 

Rivier had good first half numbers turned in by Kywane Thomas (Hartford, Conn.) who recorded a team-high 7 points, Kevin Francis (Cromwell, Conn.) who added six points, senior Jake Nelson (Nashua, N.H.) who recorded five points, and Edward Soucie (South Ryegate, V.T.) who also scored five points.

Coming down to the last whistle in the second half, the game was back and forth for the duration. At the 11 minute mark, however, the Raiders used an 8-0 run to pull to within two points of the Lasers, shifting momentum and ultimately forcing Lasell to play smart and aggressive for the remainder of the half. Late foul trouble for Lasell was another key reason as to why the Raiders were able to take the lead late, up 65-63 with 1:32 left. 

Top performers for Lasell were Arsenault who finished with 22 points, O'Brien with 16 points, and senior Brock Walters (Jacksonville, Fla.) with 11 points.

Rivier had good performances turned in by freshman Andre Ruff (Lowell, Mass.) who led all Raiders with 25 points. Senior Jake Nelson (Nashua, N.H.) also recorded 15 points for the Raiders, while Edward Soucie (South Ryegate, V.T.) finished with 14 points. 

Both teams will resume play on Thursday, February 12. The Lasers will travel to Amherst College for a 7:00 p.m. tip-off, while Rivier will host Mount Ida College in a GNAC matchup at 5:00 p.m.