Lyndonville, VT - The Northern Vermont University-Lyndon men's basketball team struggled to get anything going on Friday night as they dropped a 92-66 North Atlantic Conference decision to Husson University. The NAC East leading Eagles improve to 11-7 overall and 8-1 in conference play. The Hornets fall to 5-13 on the season and 2-6 in the NAC.
Husson's Justin Thompsopn and Justice Kendall staked the Eagles to a quick 4-0 lead, scoring on the first two possessions. The Hornets would answer with a mini-run of their own and take the lead at 8-6 following an Antonio Carlisle (St. Johnsbury, VT) three-pointer. Husson regained the advantage at 12-10 following a putback basket from Jared Balser at the 13:59 mark. The Eagles would gradually extend the advantage over the next several minutes. When Corey Humbles scored at the rim with 7:24 to go in the half, the Husson lead reached double figures at 25-15. After Zach Falkenburg (Bridgeport, NY) connected on a three pointer to bring the Hornets back within seven, Husson closed the half on a 21-5 run over the final 5:47 to take a 23-point lead into intermission.
Husson remained in control through much of the second half, as Lyndon never put much of a dent into the Eagle lead.
Thompson led a balanced Husson attack with 14 points. Balser and Kendall finished with 13 points each while DJ Bussey and Jeremy Moronta chipped in with 11 points apiece. Falkenburg paced the Hornets with a game high 16 points. Mondwell Bukle (Pyeongtaek, South Korea) was Lyndon's only other double figure scorer, as he finished with 10 points. Jaden Phillips (Tempe, AZ) pulled down a game high 12 rebounds.
Husson made 37 of 80 shots (46.3%), including seven of 23 (30.4%) from behind the three-point arc. Meanwhile, Lyndon only connected on 24 of 74 attempts (32.4%), and only nine of 34 (26.5%) from distance. The Eagles controlled the glass, holding a 63-43 rebounding advantage. Both teams turned the ball over 15 times.
The same two teams will play again at 1:00 pm tomorrow afternoon in Stannard Gymnasium. Priot to tip-off, Lyndon will honor its two seniors, Falkenburg and Luke Fredsell (Whitesboro, NY)
