Hanson hot from behind arc, but Hawks prevail in CCC opener

BRISTOL, R.I. - The Roger Williams University men's basketball team won its Commonwealth Coast Conference opener with a 67-57 win over Salve Regina University Wednesday evening.

Roger Williams and Salve Regina battled throughout the first half of the game, both teams trading baskets. The teams pushed hard throughout the half, but the Seahawks held a slight lead, 21-19 at the ten-minute mark.

Nick Marini (Loudonville, N.Y.) hit a big three, putting the Hawks in the lead with seven minutes left in the half, 24-21. Josh McCourt (Lincoln, R.I.) followed with another three, increasing their lead. The Hawks stayed aggressive under the hoop, advancing their lead to 30-23 at the five-minute mark with a put-back by Trevor Fahmy (Bedford, N.H.).

The Seahawks fell into foul trouble in the latter part of the first half. Conor O'Brien (Sharon, Mass.) furthered the Hawks lead at the one-minute mark, as the Hawks entered halftime with a 12-point advantage

O'Brien led RWU with nine points, while the Seahawks were led by David Hanson (Stockton, England), who proved to be dangerous from beyond the arc, hitting five threes in the first half.

The Hawks remained on top throughout the second half. Bryce Boggs (Hyde Park, Mass.) brought the gap to a mere four with a three-point play, the score 45-41 with 12:40 left. Austin Coene (Tyngsborough, Mass.) retaliated with a three-pointer at the 12-minute mark increasing the Hawks lead to seven. McCourt pushed forward with an assist from Marini, bringing the score 54-46 with eight minutes to go. 

The Hawks led 56-50 at the five-minute mark. O'Brien tipped in a basket to put the Hawks ahead 60-52. Jake LePrevost (Lee, Mass.) added another two with a layup assisted by O'Brien with a minute left. The Seahawks tried climbing back in by sending RWU to the line, but the Hawks sank five of their last eight free throws to hold on for the ten-point win.

O'Brien led the Hawks with 17 points and six rebounds. Marini added 14 points and five boards.

Hanson finished with 19 points for Salve, while Connor Costello went for eight points and 13 rebounds.

Both teams will have home team advantage this Saturday at 3 p.m. The Hawks will play Gordon College while the Seahawks will take on Curry College.