Pottersville, NY (February 27, 2021) – Jaylen Alicea's (Lawrence) three-point attempt at the buzzer to try and force overtime bounced off the rim and a valiant second half effort came up just short as the Northern Essex Community College men's basketball team dropped a 71-68 final to the Word of Life Bible Institute. With the loss the Knights fall to 1-2 on the season.

Trailing by as many as 13 in the first half, the Knights took the lead on two occasions in the second half, but could sustain the lead. Down eight with 90 seconds left, a strong full court pressure put Knights in position to force the overtime.

Alicea finished the game with 17 points. He was joined in double figures by Daniel Almarante (Lawrence) and Luis Parilla (Lowell) who tossed in 15 and 12 respectively.

The Knights are idle till next Saturday when Word of Life returns the trip and will travel to Haverhill for 1:30 tip off next Saturday at the Sport and Fitness Center.

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).