Box Score
NEWPORT, R.I. – Senior forward Brendan Murphy (West Springfield, MA) and junior forward Brad Thomka (Springfield, MA) tossed-in career highs with 22 and 20 points, respectively, as the Western New England College men’s basketball team defeated Salve Regina 96-85 for its fifth consecutive victory Saturday afternoon (Jan. 23).
This was the highest point total of the season for the Golden Bears who are now 9-7 overall and 4-1 in The Commonwealth Coast Conference (TCCC).
Murphy connected on 8-of-14 shots from the field, drained three three-pointers, and pulled down eight rebounds. Thomka was equally effective sinking 9-of-10 field-goal attempts and grabbing five boards coming off the bench. Both players each had a pair of assists.
Senior guard Rick Johnson (Springfield, MA) made a significant contribution with 18 points (6-9 field goals), four rebounds, and three steals in a reserve role.
Sophomore guard Andre Shaw (Jamaica, NY) was the fourth player in double figures with 14 points. Junior guard Chris Devine (Wilbraham, MA) just missed a double-double with nine points and nine rebounds.
Western New England College led 44-34 at halftime and took its biggest lead at 24 points (88-64) on Thomka's lay-up with 5:18 remaining.
Western New England College had another impressive shooting effort making 60.7% of its shots (second highest total of the season) and owning a 41-34 advantage off the boards.
Graduate student guard Jabreche Boyd (West Haven, CT) poured-in a game high 35 points and had six rebounds for the Seahawks.
Junior forward Dan Royce (Mahwah, NJ) netted 19 points while sophomore guard Austin Hall (Coventry, CT) added 18 points. Junior guard Ryan Birrell (Hope, RI) played the entire game and had an interesting stats line with eight points, seven rebounds, 11 assists, and four steals.
Salve Regina drops to 2-13 and 1-4 in the conference.