Warwick, RI – Playing their first road game in three weeks, the Northern Essex Community College men's basketball team stunned #6 nationally ranked Community College of Rhode Island 71-70. The win was the seventh in a row for the Knights and first over CCRI in more than 10 years. The loss for CCRI was only their third of the season and first in conference play. NECC improves to 11-7 on the season and 8-2 in conference play.

NECC led by three at halftime and hung on over the final minutes for the win. Cristian Kinsley (Lawrence) had a team high 16 points to lead four Knights in double figures. Phillip Cunningham (Haverhill) tossed in 13 points coming off the bench for the first time. The Turkish duo of Metin Yavuz (Istanbul, TR) and Mehmet Asik (Anakara, TR) added 12 and 10 points respectively.

An all around strong defensive effort kept CCRI to its third lowest point total of the season.

Northern Essex will return home on Thursday when they host Roxbury Community College at 6:00pm. Spectators will once again be permitted in the Sport and Fitness Center on the Haverhill campus. All in attendance will be required to wear masks at all times and follow the colleges visitor on campus policy.