Raiders Pull Away from Lasers for Late GNAC Victory

NASHUA, NH-  A late spurt by the Rivier College Raiders led to a 84-73 defeat of the Lasell College Lasers in Great Northeast Athletic Conference men's basketball action on Saturday afternoon. 

The Raiders managed a five point spread at the half, 39-34, with both teams shooting well over 50% from the field.  With two minutes to go, Rivier set in motion a 12-6 run which turned a 66-63 lead into the final outcome. 

Don Poitras (Bow, NH) recorded 21 points and eight rebounds for the Raiders, with nearly perfect shooting, hitting 9-of-10 form the floor.  Nick Bean (E. Longmeadow, MA) added 20 points for Rivier, along with three assists, and Will Snider (Brooklyn, NY) and Cliff Celestin (Braintree, MA) combined for 21 more Raider points. 

Lasell's Javon Williams (Mattapan, MA) put up a game-best 30 points, while also collecting seven boards.  Williams shot 12-for-18 from the field and 6-of-8 from the line. Sophomore guard Sean Bertanza (Seymour, CT) put away 23 points for the Lasers, adding a game-high eight steals and three rebounds.  Senior Derrick Harper (Boston, MA) completed the contest with eight points and three rebounds and sophomore Jordan Fuller (Oviedo, FL) had a game-best five assists. 

Lasell shot 51.7% from the field throughout the contest, however Rivier was on fire, hitting on 66% of their chances, including 60% from downtown. The Raiders also out-rebounded the Lasers 31-19.

The Lasers (4-11, 3-5 GNAC) return to action on Tuesday, January 25th at GNAC rival Mount Ida College.  Tip-off is at 6:00 p.m.