Worcester, MA (February 10, 2022) – It took a full 40 minutes and then some for the Northern Essex Community College men's basketball team to pick up their 11th straight victory on Thursday evening in overtime 75-71 over Quinsigamond Community College. Trailing at the half 34-30, it was the first time during the win streak that the Knights trailed at halftime.
With 4.3 seconds left in the second half and the Knights trailing 67-64, Mehmet Asik (Ankara, TR) grabbed a rebound on a missed QCC free throw and immediately pushed the ball up the court and tossed in a contested three pointer at the buzzer to send the game to overtime. The Knights would outscore the Wyverns 8-4 in the extra session to secure the win.
For the game Asik led the Knights with a team high 18 points. 14 of his 18 points came in the second half and overtime. He was joined in double figures by Phillip Cunningham (Haverhill) and Metin Yavuz (Istanbul, TR) with 15 and 12 each. Kevin Monteiro (North Andover) added 10 points off the bench.
With the win, NECC improves 15-7 overall and 12-2 in conference play. The Knights will return to the court for a Valentines night affair with Bristol Community College. Tip-off is set for 6:00pm from the Sport and Fitness Center on the Haverhill campus. It's the first of three home games for the Knights in the final week of the regular season.