Men's Basketball Can't Overcome Sluggish Start At NEC

HENNIKER, N.H. -- The Elms College men's basketball team couldn't overcome a slow start at New England College on Thursday, falling 85-70. The Blazers (3-15, 2-8 New England Collegiate Conference) fell behind 44-28 at the break before coming to life in the second half, but it was too little, too late.

Justin Feliciano led Elms with 19 points and added six rebounds. D.J. Edelen added 12 points and eight boards for Elms, and Kewan Smoot scored 11 points off the bench.

Both teams shot 42 percent from the field in the game and grabbed 39 rebounds, but New England College (16-3, 9-1 NECC) had a distinct advantage in turnovers, committing just 14 while forcing 21.

NEC's Ricky Leonard led all scorers with 28 points and Calvin Cheek added 15 points and nine steals for the Pilgrims. Stephen Fama finished with 11 points.

Elms returns home on Saturday as NECC play continues when Souther Vermont visits Picknelly Arena.