Concord, NH (February 20, 2021) – The Northern Essex Community College men's basketball team dropped its season opener of a COVID shortened season on Saturday afternoon by a 92-84 final to the Lynx of NHTI. It marked first athletic competition for the college since March 2020 when the pandemic halted all competition.

A trio of Knights from Lawrence all making their collegiate debuts led the offense as Jaylen Alicea, Angel Herrera and Cristian Kinsley dropped 16, 14 and 13 points respectively. Kinsley also led the team in rebounds as he grabbed nine rebounds, one shy of a double-double effort.

Kevin Garcia (Methuen) added 12 points off the bench to put four players in double figures.

As a team the Knights shot a tick under 41% from the field (33-81) and 28% from behind the arc.

Shaquille Barrett led all scores for NHTI as he poured in a game high 26 points.

The two teams will square off again on Wednesday night in Haverhill with first tip at 7:00pm. Per institutional and state COVID Guidelines, spectators will not be permitted. The game will be viewable on the new NECC Athletics YouTube channel beginning at 6:45pm

Northern Essex Community College competes as a member of the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) and sponsors 12 varsity intercollegiate sports including baseball, men's basketball, women's basketball, softball, women's volleyball, men's and women's cross country, men's soccer, Esports and men's and women's track and field. For more information on Northern Essex Community College Athletics please visit the official website of Northern Essex Athletics (www.neccknights.com).