SMCC Executes In Win Over NHTI

SOUTH PORTLAND, Maine—The Southern Maine Community College men's basketball team took down the Lynx of New Hampshire Technical Institute (NHTI) 97-90 in a game designated as non-conference at the HUB on Tuesday, Jan. 31.

SeaWolves' captain John Morgan (Sanford, Maine) led all scorers in the game with 24 points, having himself a career first half offensively pouring in 20, shooting 10-11 from the floor. Sophomore Chase Soares (Falmouth, Mass.) netted 21, creating off the dribble with five assists, as fellow sophomore Dylan Silvestri (Pelham, N.H.) recorded his sixth double-double of the season with 12 points and 10 rebounds.

NHTI's Joe Simpson and Michael DeJesus joined for 38 points and eight assists in their team's effort.

The Lynx held a 26-21 advantage as the result of a 7-0 run in the first half until SMCC countered with a 10-3 run to eventually lead 50-47 at the half.

The Pelham Connection opened up the SeaWolves' lead to seven as Silvestri and sophomore Ryan Cloutier (Pelham, N.H.) combined for a thunderous alley-oop dunk mid-way through the second. SMCC extended its lead to as much as 12 points before the Lynx brought it back to within four with less than a minute remaining in regulation. The SeaWolves would close the game on a 5-2 run to claim the victory and split the season series with their Yankee Small College Conference (YSCC) counterpart.

In a post-game interview, Assistant Coach AJ Burton commented, "Tonight was a big bounce back after our loss over the weekend. Everyone executed the game plan in a balanced and patient attack. We as a coaching staff are proud of the way our guys are playing."

View the photo gallery of the game HERE.

The SMCC men improve to 18-5 overall and remain 10-2 in conference play. NHTI drops its second in a row and stands 16-10 overall, still owning the top-spot in the YSCC South Division standings.

Next, the SeaWolves welcome the Rams of Unity College to the HUB for a YSCC North Division contest on Thursday, Feb. 2. Tip-off is set for 8 p.m.

For the latest on SMCC's athletic programs, log onto GoSMCCSeawolves.com or follow Southern Maine Community College Athletics on Twitter @SMCCseawolves and on Facebook SMCC Seawolves.