The Keene State College’s Men’s Basketball team is smoking hot to open up the season for a second year in a row, establishing a record of 5-0 so far.
After winning the Keene State College Tip-Off Tournament, the men have picked up right where they left off. Keene State was able to hold off Lasell College 93-91 on November 19 at Spaulding Gym. That night the Owls were down 44-43 at halftime and were able to squeeze by in the second half. Sophomore guard Dizel Wright led the Owls, who tied his career high with 20 points and had ten rebounds to record a double-double.
KSC shot 45 percent from the field in that win and had five players in double figures in the victory. Interim Head Coach Ryan Cain said he likes his team having the balanced scoring. “I think we’ve consistently had four or five guys in double figures and that is exactly where we want to be,” Cain said.
Luke Stergiou / Equinox Staff
The Owls hit the road for the first time on the season defeating the University of New England 89-66 on November 21. In that contest senior guard Nate Stitchell led Keene State scorers with 17 points and junior guard Lucas Hamel contributed 14 points. In that win, the Owls shot over 50 percent from the field.
On November 24, the Owls traveled to Springfield College. Keene State took care of the Pride with an 87-78 win. The Owls had a 49-26 lead at halftime in that game and were outscored 49-41 in second half action. Once again it was a balanced scoring attack for the squad with four players in double figures. Wright led all Keene State scorers with 17 points and ten rebounds.
One trend that has happened during the last three games is the Owls have allowed less points. After allowing 101 and 88 points in their first two contests the Owls held their final two opponents 66 and 78 points respectively.
Cain said he is glad that the defense has played better. “The effort and intensity has been pretty good and now I think we are starting to add some execution on the defensive end of the floor,” Cain said.
Keene State returns to action on Saturday, December 5, at 3 p.m., in the Spaulding Gym when they will take on the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth.
Brian can be contacted at bclemmenson@kscequinox.com
