MBB: Lasers Season Ends in Heartbreak

Newton, MA - The Lasell University Men's Basketball team lost in heartbreaking fashion on Tuesday, falling to Norwich in the GNAC quarterfinals by a final score of 68-67. The loss ends the Lasers' season at 16-10, while the Cadets move on to the semifinals at 18-8.

In a low scoring first half, the Lasers raced out to a 10-2 lead. After Norwich closed to within five with three minutes left in the half, the Lasers scored six straight points to go up 11. They would enter halftime with a nine point lead, leading 29-20. In the second half the Lasers would go up by as many as 15, leading 39-24 early. They would continue to hold a double-digit lead until midway through the half. Norwich slowly chipped away, and closed within four. But the Lasers would respond, and pushed it back out to eight with just over two minutes remaining. The Cadets would not go away though, and a quick 6-0 run made it a two point game with a minute remaining. Che Hanks would hit a clutch three pointer with 39 seconds remaining, seemingly putting the Lasers just inches away from a semifinal berth. But it was not to be. A foul on a three pointer with 15 seconds gave Norwich three free throws, all of which were made, made the score 67-65. On the ensuing inbounds play the Lasers got trapped in the corner and turned the ball over, giving the Cadets a chance to tie or win with 10 seconds left. They went for it all, as Kohlby Murray hit a three pointer with 2.5 seconds remaining. The Lasers half court attempt at the buzzer was no good, ending the Lasers season.

The Lasers ran a small rotation, with just seven players playing double-digit minutes. They were led by Andy Madesko's 20 points on 7-16 shooting. The two key players all season for the Lasers in Marcus Lewis and Che Hanks also finished in double-digits with 13 and 11 respectively. Off the bench, Gabe Qua scored 12 points. Madesko also led the team with 14 rebounds, while Hanks led with five assists.

Up Next - The Lasers graduate just one player in Demerrick Warren, and will return the rest of their core.