Nor'easters win back-and-forth battle with Seahawks

NEWPORT, R.I. (January 25, 2020) -- University of New England junior guard Alex Kravchuk (Mansfield, Conn.) led an 18-4 run late in the second half with three 3-pointers to lift the Nor'easters over host Salve Regina University, 77-70, in Commonwealth Coast Conference (CCC) men's basketball action at the Rodgers Recreation Center on Saturday afternoon. Kravchuk finished with 18 points as did freshman teammate Siddiq Canty (Dallas, Texas).

Series and Streaks
By sweeping the season series, the Nor'easters now have a two-win edge in the all-time series (17-15). UNE has won five of the last six meetings with Salve Regina. The Seahawks suffered their first loss in their last five games.

Three Stars of the Game

1. Nor'easter junior Alex Kravchuk (Mansfield, Conn.) had four 3-pointers including three in a four-minute span in the second half during an 18-4 run. He finished with 18 points, five rebounds, three assists, three steals.
2. Nor'easter freshman Siddiq Canty (Dallas, Texas) also had 18 points, four rebounds, three assists, three steals.
3. Seahawk sophomore Mikey Spencer (Abington, Mass.) had a team-high 17 points with three 3-pointers, and six-of-seven from the line, while also leading the team in rebounds (seven).

Key Stat of the Game
The back-and-forth battle featured 15 lead changes and nine ties. The Nor'easters used the long ball (13 3-pointers) to pull ahead in the second half.

Turning Point
After Patrick Williamson's (Huntington, N.Y.) layup gave Salve Regina a six-point lead (61-55 with 8:13 remaining), Kravchuk led an 11-0 and 18-4 run over a 4:08 span with three 3-pointers. Drake Gavin (Old Lyme, Conn.) had his only trey during the run.

Quick Hits

• Salve Regina's season-long win streak ends at four games.
• Seahawk juniors Cameron Collins (Oakdale, Conn.) and Kevin Kelly (Valhalla, N.Y.) each grabbed six rebounds apiece while scoring 13 and 11 points, respectively.
• Kelly also had team-highs with four assists and three steals.
• Nor'easter sophomore Ray Evans (Troy, N.Y.) came off the bench to contribute 13 points including three treys.
• Junior Avery DeBrito (New Bedford, Mass.) had two 3-pointers to finish with 11 points.
• Despite win streak ending, Salve Regina extends its rebound advantage to five straight games (40-35).

Next Up
Salve Regina (7-10, 4-4 CCC) hosts Connecticut College in a non-league meeting on Tuesday at 7 p.m. University of New England (10-8, 4-5 CCC) hosts Wentworth Institute of Technology in  Commonwealth Coast Conference action on Wednesday with a 7:30 p.m. tip-off.