Lasers Pick Up Second GNAC Win Over Anna Maria 77-62

Newton, MA - The Lasell College men's basketball team defeated Anna Maria College, 77-62, in a GNAC conference matchup Saturday afternoon at the Lasell College Athletic Center.  The victory gives Lasell its first win at home this season and improves their overall record to 3-6 (2-1 GNAC).

Junior co-captain Sean Bertanza (Seymor, CT) was the scoring leader for the Lasers scoring a game and team high 17 points.  Senior co-captain Javon Williams (Mattapan, MA) and Sonny Mello (Fall River, MA) both chipped in with 14 points.  Arthur Alexander (Port St. Lucie, FL) was a leader off the bench with 11 points.  Anthony Click (Springfield, MA) and Brad Peterson (North Kingstown, RI) were the leading scorers for the AMCATS, both scoring 15 points.  

The 1^st half was tight early with the AMCATS leading 12-8 at the 14:08 mark.  But a Brock Walters (Jacksonville, FL) three at the 13:32 mark sent Lasell on a 12-0 run to take a 20-12 lead at 9:27.  After a Mello three pointer at 6:13 the Lasers increased their lead to 29-16.  The AMCATS answered though, going on an 8-0 run to trim the lead to 31-27 at the 1:54 mark. The Lasers took control closing out the half on a 7-2 run, including a Mello layup with 18 seconds left. The  first half score would settle at 38-29 with Lasell leading.

Early in the 2^nd half Lasell's shooting cooled down a bit, allowing the AMCATS back into the game.  A layup by Peterson at 13:06 cut the Lasers' lead to 45-40 with 13:08 left in the game.   This  was the closest the AMCATS would get as the Lasers' perimeter shooting started heating up.  An Alexander three at 9:44 would bring the score to 56-47.  Lasell was in complete control the rest of the game, consistently hitting open outside shots and connecting on their free throws.  A Mello layup and free throw ended the game with the final score of 77-62. 

Lasell shot 56.2% (9-16) from outside the arc while Anna Maria struggled from the three point line, shooting only 28.6 % (2-7). The Lasers also outrebounded Anna Maria 40-22,  with Earnest McNeil (Boston, MA) and Williams both grabbing 9 rebounds.

With the loss, the AMCATS, fall to 2-4 overall and 2-1 in the GNAC.  Anna Maria's next game is Tuesday, December 13 against non-conference opponent Amherst College.

With the win Lasell goes to 3-6 overall and 2-1 in the GNAC. The Lasers will look to keep the winning ways going, after the holiday break, when they return to action on the road Thursday, January 5 against non-conference opponent Keene State at 7 p.m.