By Trevor Peal
The NEC Men’s basketball team picked up a conference win against Colby-Sawyer College, beating the Chargers 78-72 on Jan. 20.
The ‘Grims looked to pick up an important home court win and bring morale back up. After starting the season 4-1, the ‘Grims dropped to 5-9 halfway through the season.
The game was back and forth, with the ‘Grims jumping out to an early lead. Colby-Sawyer responded, taking the lead at halftime. NEC persisted, limiting turnovers in the second half and hitting some crucial free throws to close out the game.
Charlie Mason, NEC’s head coach, said believing in each other was the key to the win.
“It’s a lot of credit to our guys. It wasn’t a message as much as it was believing in each other and supporting each other,” Mason said.
The ‘Grims had some standout preformers on the night, including guards, Mike Strazzeri and Josh Robie. Combining for 47 of the team’s 78 points.
Robie was on fire from the three, shooting 4/8 behind the line and 7/11 overall. Robie said he knew that this game meant a lot, not only for himself but the whole team.
“We needed a win, I just feel like my teammates found me when I was open and the coaches put me in the right position to score,” Robie said.
Robie had high praise for his counterpart, Strazzeri.
“You can’t replace him, he gets hounded the whole game and hits big shots, can’t ask for much more than that,” Robie said.
Coach Mason remarked about how important the two guards are for the team.
“Both of them have been tremendous for us, I think this game was their time to step up. We’re very excited for the success they’ve had and the impact it’s had on our team,” Mason said.
