Running Diary: ENC vs. NEC

Today's Starting Lineups:

For New England College:
Shane Hennessey
Andrew MacDonald
Spencer Marzouk
Joe Faragher
Jason Minerve

ENC Starters:
DeAngelo Alston
Aaron Johnson
Johnny Atwater
John Flakes
Chima Ezeigbo

(4:05) We are underway. Ezeigbo wins the tip but ENC quickly turns the ball over.

(4:08) Quick start for Ezeigbo, he's on a 5-0 run by himself. 5-0 ENC, 18:00 to go in the half.

(4:11) After a Flakes jumper from 15 feet out, ENC is up 7-0, and NEC calls the first time out of the game. 16:29 left in the half.

(4:15) Both teams disgruntled over fouls on their bigs on illegal screens. Both looked clean and the one against Ezeigbo seemed to be a make up call. NEC has come out of their timeout with an 8-0 run. 8-7 NEC, 14:25 1st Half.

(4:24) NEC is on a good string defensively. ENC has 4 points ever since NEC called a timeout after the 7-0 ENC run to start the game. Timeout ENC 18-11 NEC, over 9 minutes left.

(4:34) After being able to cut the deficit to 6, ENC has struggled to score. 27-19 NEC, with 4 to go.

(4:37) ENC is extending their defensive pressure on the basketball. Forced NEC to call a timeout in one possession.

(4:45) NEC played good defense throughout the half, hold ENC to . ENC has also played adequet defense, but haven't been able to get anything, other than their 7-0 run to start the game, together offensively. The referee crew has been poor at best, on both sides so it doesn't excuse ENC's play. No consistency, both coach's have had words with them. At the half NEC is up 32-22.

ENC's leading scorer in the half were John Flakes and C.J. Gonzales, who had 10 each. ENC was held to 29% shooting.  NEC didn't shoot particularly well either 36%. The difference is NEC's 43% behind the arc equaling 18 points, to ENC's 0-10 behind the arc.

(5:00) We're off and running in the second half. Trading baskets thus far, 37-26 NEC, 18:00 to play.

(5:05) Two quick fouls on Aaron Johnson, gives him 4 fouls on the game and a seat on the bench. The first was an absolute embarrassment of a call. Johnson was called for a charge when the defender prematurely flopped, creating little to no contact. The second was a tick tack call as he was defending a drive.

(5:15) An intentional foul was called against NEC. Chima went 1-2 at the line and hit a hook shot to cut the lead to 6. Timeout NEC, 45-39 NEC, 11:20 left.

(5:19) Three missed opportunities for ENC. After forcing 3 turnover they failed to capitalize on the offensive end. The score remains 45-39 NEC, 9 minutes left.

(5:20) A missed NEC shot and ENC comes down the courts to find John Cramer hit a 3 pointer in the corner, right in front of his bench. Timeout NEC, 45-42 NEC, 8:36 left in regulation.

(5:25) Aaron Johnson hits a 3 to tie, NEC come back down and hits a layup. Ezeigbo went to the line and went 1-2. 47-46 NEC, 6 to play.

(5:29) John Flakes gives ENC their first lead since 7-6. 48-47 ENC, 4:28 left.

(5:33) NEC takes the lead back by two after a three, ENC comes down and Cramer hits yet another big 3. An ENC steal gave them a 2 on 1 fast break that ended with a Flakes layup, assisted by Alston. Timeout NEC, 53-50 ENC, 2:37 left.

(5:35) NEC goes on a 5-0 run. Take a 2 point lead. 55-53 NEC, 26 ticks left.

(5:38) DeAngelo drives to the hoop, get fouled, and hit two clutch free throws. 55's all, 15 seconds in regulation.

(5:42) After a pair of turnover's NEC has the ball with 1.4 left in the game. Andrew MacDonald hits a game winning 3 as time expires. 58-55, final, NEC.