Oruonyehu's second-half barrage lifts Nor'easters past SRU

BIDDEFORD, Maine -- Sophomore guard Victor Oruonyehu (Austin, Texas) scored 20 of his game-high 25 points in the second half -- including six three-pointers -- to power the University of New England men's basketball team to a 73-61 The Commonwealth Coast Conference win over Salve Regina University Saturday afternoon at the Campus Center.

The win was the 17th in the last 19 home games for the Nor'easters, who improved to 5-8 overall and 2-1 in conference play. Salve Regina suffered its sixth consecutive setback to fall to 1-13 (0-3 TCCC). UNE has now defeated the Seahawks in five straight meetings.

Oruonyehu was 6-for-10 from beyond the arc in the final half, and he also collared five rebounds in the frame. First-year guard Keith Beasley (Austin, Texas) contributed 11 points, eight boards and four assists in just his second collegiate game. Sophomore forward Quentin Thompson (Austin, Texas) added nine points, eight caroms and six steals for the winners.

Junior forward Dan Royce (Mahwah, N.J.) posted a double-double for the Seahawks with 18 points and 10 rebounds. Senior guard Jabreche Boyd (West Haven, Conn.) finished with 16 points, nine rebounds and six steals, while junior guard Ryan Birrell (Hope, R.I.) scored 13 points, pilfered five steals and dished out four assists.

After a conventional three-point play by Beasley gave the Nor'easters a 26-18 lead with 4:59 remaining in the first half, Boyd and Birrell drained back-to-back treys to get Salve back within two. UNE would outscore the Seahawks 8-3 over the final 1:31 of the period to lead 36-31 at intermission.

The Seahawks would get as close as four twice in the second half -- including a 57-53 deficit with 3:58 on the clock -- but the Nor'easters held the favorable side of the scoreboard the entire half. Oruonyehu helped UNE hold off Salve with consecutive three-balls, then Thompson converted from down low to cap an 8-0 run that gave the Nor'easters a 65-53 cushion with just over two minutes remaining.

The game was marred with miscues, as the squads combined to commit 82 turnovers, including 46 by the visiting Seahawks.

Both teams return to the hardwood Wednesday (Jan. 20). The Nor'easters head to Quincy, Mass. to take on Eastern Nazarene College, while Salve Regina hosts Nichols College. Tip-off for both contests is scheduled for 8 p.m.

Courtesy of UNE sports information