Lyndonville, VT - The Northern Vermont University-Lyndon men's basketball team found itself down big early against Husson University on Friday evening.  The Hornets were unable to recover, and dropped a 96-64 decision to the Eagles in the North Atlantic Conference opener for both team.  Husson improves to 4-1 on the season while Lyndon falls to 2-5.

The Eagles came out fast, capitalizing on three Hornet turnovers to take a 9-0 lead just over two minutes into the contest.  After Zach Falkenburg (Kirkville, NY) converted a basket and free throw to get Lyndon on the board, Husson's DJ Bussey scored seven straight points to build the lead to 16-3 at the 16:38 mark.  Husson continued to extend the advantage from there, capitalizing on 19 first half Hornet turnovers to take a 52-25 lead into halftime.

The Hornets played on more even terms in the second half, but were never able to get closer than 25 points the rest of the way.

Bussey led a balanced Husson attack with 12 points.  Justice Kendall added 11 points and game highs of eight rebounds and seven assists.  Justin Martin and Justin Thompson also reached double figures with 11 and ten points respectively.  Ricky Shuford (Prattville, AL) led Lyndon with 12 points.  Falkenburg was the only other double figure scorer with ten.  Kenan Hajdarevic (St. Johnsbury, VT) and Dylan Torello (Port St. Lucie, FL) each pulled down five rebounds while Damon Denteh (Jamaica, NY) and Luke Fredsell (Whitesboro, NY) each dished out four assists.

Husson converted 34 of 67 shots (50.7%), including nine of 30 from behind the arc.  Lyndon made 26 of 62 shots (41.9%), nine of 25 from distance.  The Eagles enjoyed a huge advantage at the foul line, converting 19 of 27 free throws compared to three of six for Lyndon.  Husson also enjoyed a 39-33 rebounding advantage and forced 29 Hornet turnovers while committing 19 themselves.

The Hornets return to action on Saturday afternoon when Maine Maritime Academy visits Stannard Gymnasium.  Tip-off is set for 1:00 pm.