Haverhill, MA (November 3, 2021) – The Northern Essex Community College men's basketball team jumped out to a large first half and never trailed as they defeated the Moose of UMaine- Augusta 78-66 to open the season. It marked the first time since the 2017-18 season that the Knights won the season opener.

Freshman Phillip Cunningham (Haverhill) led four Knights in double figures as he dropped a game high 15 points. Matt D'Amato (Peabody) followed with 14, Metin Yavuz (Istanbul, Turkey) with 13 and Jaleek Urena (Lawrence) with 10.

Daniel Almarante (Lawrence) tossed in six points and led a strong first half-defensive effort with four steals. The Knights took a 41-15 lead into the locker room at halftime. Cunningham added 11 rebounds for hsi first career double-double.

The Knights held Moose star senior Eric Crawford, son of NBA great Jamal Crawford to 10 points.

Northern Essex will return to the court on Friday night when they make their annual trip to the NHTI Edward Jones Tap-Off Classic. The Knights will the play the host Lynx at 7:00pm and return to the court on Saturday afternoon at 12:00pm to take on Central Maine Community College.

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