Posted: Feb 14, 2022
Haverhill, MA (February 14, 2022) – The Northern Essex Community College men's basketball team ran its win streak to 12 games on Monday night with a hard fought 75-64 decision over Bristol Community College, in matchup of two of the league's top four teams. With the win NECC improves to 16-7 overall and 13-2 in Region 21 action.
Daniel Almarante (Lawrence) and Phillip Cuningham (Haverhill) led the Knights as they each dropped 15 points. Mehmet Asik (Ankara, TR) added 11 points, all of which came in the second half to help propel NECC to the win.
After the Knights jumped out to 7-0 lead, Bristol came right back to take an 8-7 lead. From that point on it was a back and forth game and neither team would lead by more than five points until the final two minutes of the game. NECC led by three at the half, 33-30.
Matt D'Amato (Peabody) and Cristian Kinsley (Lawrence) added crucial buckets at critical moments in the game. Cunningham and Asik would both record a double-double and they took down 15 and 13 rebounds respectively.
The Knights scheduled home game with Holyoke on Tuesday has been cancelled due to COVID protocols in the HCC program and will not be made up. NECC will return to the court on Thursday when they travel to Massasoit for 6:30 start. The regular season will conclude at home on Saturday against Quincy College. The Region 21 basketball committee is expected to release playoff seeding on Sunday evening.