Bangor,ME- The Husson University mens basketball team rallied in the second half to defeat NVU-Johnson 70-61 in a North Atlantic Conference Quarterfinal game Saturday evening at the Newman Gymnasium.
The first half showed that each team came to win as the Eagles and Badgers swapped the lead many times throughout the half, neither getting more than a five point lead. Each squad showed some of their best offense of the season in what was a high scoring half with Johnson leading 33-31 at halftime.
The second half showed more of the same with each side keeping the contest within a one possession score. Nearing the 10 minute mark in the half, Husson started turning up the defensive intensity which transitioned to offense. With 12:07 to go in the game, DJ Bussey hit a three point shot to give the Eagles the lead they wouldn’t relinquish. The Badgers would keep the pressure on the Eagles all the way to the final seconds by making the Eagles hit free throws in which they did to secure the win.
Eagles Coach Warren Caruso achieved his 500th win at the helm of the program.
Husson was led by Bussey and Justin Thompson who each had 15 points off the bench. Justice Kendall added 13 points, and Scott Lewis contributed 10 points and nine rebounds.
Johnson was led by Robert Dubose with 19 points, and Kiyl Mack with 12 points and five rebounds.
The #3 seeded Eagles will move on to play #2 SUNY-Canton Friday night February 28th in the North Atlantic Conference semifinals at 7:30pm at the University of Maine Farmington.
NVU-Johnson finishes their 2019-2020 campaign 7-19 Overall.
OTHER NAC SCORES:
NAC MEN’S QUARTERFINAL: #5 University of Maine Presque Isle 87 @ #4 Thomas College 86, UMPI will play #1 University of Maine Farmington at 5:30pm Friday night at UMF.
NAC WOMEN QUARTER FINAL: #5 NVU-Lyndon 63 @ #4 Thomas College 55. Lyndon will travel to play #1 Husson Friday night at 5:30 at Husson.
NAC WOMEN’S QUARTERFINAL: #6 NVU-Johnson 54 @ #3 University of Maine Farmington 87. UMF will play #2 Maine Maritime Academy at 7:30 Friday night at Husson.
