Lasers Trump Cadets, 82-79

NORTHFIELD, VT – Lasell College picked up their first Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) men's basketball win of the season trumping Norwich University, 82-79, on Saturday afternoon in Andrews Hall. Junior forward Javon Williams (Mattapan, MA) topped all scorers with 24 points as the Lasers improve to 2-7 overall and 1-2 in the league.

Williams was instrumental in the Lasers' win, adding eight boards, five steals and a block to his efforts. Sophomore Sean Bertanza (Seymour, CT) recorded 19 points for the second straight game and classmate Demetrious Lambright (Roxbury, MA) connected on 6-of-9 shooting and 4-of-4 free throws for a career-best 16 points.   Junior forward Derrick Harper (Boston, MA) was credited with 12 points and six rebounds to round out the top Lasell performances. 

For the Cadets (3-4, 0-1 GNAC), senior Jaren Jeffcoat led Norwich on the court with his double-double of 20 points and 10 boards. Jeffcoat was also credited with two assists, as he shot 9-of-12 and went 2-of-3 in 3-pointers.  Antonio Davis (Albany, NY) proved just shy of a double-double with 16 points and nine rebounds and Josh Cabrera (Providence, RI) put away 13 points in the contest. 

After a full half of play, the Cadets held a 45-37 advantage, having only given up their lead once; a single point midway through the period.  Cabrera and Davis set the stage for Norwich to the tune of a combined 25 points.  Williams succeeded in producing 13 points in the half, along with two steals and two rebounds.

The Lasers took back the game in the second half shooting 18-of-39 (46.2%) from the field to outscore the Cadets 45-34.  Williams continued to excel for the Lasers, netting another 11 points, grabbing six board, collecting three steals and a block.  Bertanza recorded 12 second-half points and Harper sank four  jumpers and a pair of free throws in addition to four rebounds to bring about the GNAC win. 

Norwich now possesses a 3-4 overall record along with an 0-1 GNAC slate.

Lasell will pick up men's basketball action after the winter break on Tuesday, January 11th at Johnson & Wales University at 7:30 p.m.