Quincy, MA (February 11, 2023) – The Northern Essex Community College men's basketball team used a smothering defensive effort to lead by as many as 30 points on Saturday evening on the way to their 22nd consecutive victory by a 99-81 final. NECC is now 26-1 on the season, 21-0 in conference play and secured the post-season regional tournaments top seed with two games remaining in the regular season.
After the game was scoreless for the first three minutes of action, the Knights never trailed as they jumped out to a 15-7 lead, seven minutes into the contest and took a 13-point lead to the locker room 48-35.
Luis Reynoso (Lawrence) picked up his 23rd double-double of the season as he controlled both sides of the court with a game high 26 points and 18 rebounds.
A trio of teammates joined Reynoso in double figures as Jeremiah Melendez (Lawrence), Mehmet Asik (Istanbul, TR) and Edwin SamMbaka (Paris, FR) tossed in 15, 11 and 10 respectively. For the game, 10 different Knights scored at least three points.
NECC will return to the court on Thursday when they travel to Groton, CT to take on UConn-Avery Point with opening tip set for 6:30pm. The regular season will conclude at home next Saturday when the Knights host Community College of Rhode Island at 12:00pm. In conjunction with the regular season finale, the Knights basketball team will be collecting items for those affected by the earthquakes in Turkey and Syria.