The NECC basketball teams played their hearts out in the home opener.
NECC fans were left smiling Nov. 6, as their teams showed up and showed off, both winning in convincing fashion.
NECC sports fans were packing the stands at the Haverhill Campus Sport and Fitness Center Nov. 6 for the home opener of both the men’s and women’s seasons facing off against Bristol Community College. The event was completely free, with food and merchandise available at no extra cost. With the women set to go at 5:30 and the men at 7:30 attendees were preparade for a full night of fun.
Women’s Game:
Tipping off at 5:30 the NECC Women’s team sports white jerseys and a full lineup with 4 substitutions. They’re facing off against Bristol Community College wearing dark green and featuring a small lineup of only 5 with no room for substitution.
The game gets underway and both teams play a solid first few minutes. Despite the early even play NECC goes on to dominate the first quarter controlling the game by a score of 22-12. Things really start to get going in the second quarter, both teams played well but NECC would end up increasing their lead to 13 with the score at the end of the second being 40-27.
The food arrived at halftime and the fans were getting into it. The son of NECC student Melissa Ferris, is a big college basketball fan “I came for the free shirt,” he said “I’m a big college basketball fan. It’s very fun and stimulating.” The NECC mascot was perusing the crowd during halftime hyping up fans and making sure everyone had a good time.
In the third quarter Bristol started to make a comeback, and cut their deficit down to 5 points with the game now being at 49-44 in favor of the knights. Bristol controlled the game for most of this quarter despite missing some key passes and taking untimely fouls in the later stages.
As the 4th and final quarter gets underway the game starts to become out of reach for Bristol. It becomes a 4 on 5 matchup in NECC’s favor as 1 of Bristol’s players goes out. Eventually going down to just 3 on 5 for the later half of the 4th and the game would end with the matchup being 2 on 5. Bristol’s lack of team power led to a crushing victory for NECC with the final score being a decisive 71-52. NECC’s road to victory was spearheaded by Kelsie Martinez who recorded 17 points to lead the team, as well as 16 rebounds, and 3 assists in the game, according to stats from the NECC Knights website.
Men’s game:
With the women wrapping up at 7:19 the men started their warmup with the game now set to start at about 7:45. The NECC men’s team was suited in blue and yellow school colors facing off against Bristol again in dark green.
Both teams played the first part of the half well and things started of on an even playing field. As play continued NECC would start to take the game away from Bristol. eventually leading to a score of 43-22 in favor of the Knights.
Despite NECC not making a huge impact on the college sports scene they still have many dedicated fans who love to cheer on the team. Shannon Vaughan is a mom of 2 NECC grads and former student athletes. She’s a regular attendee at NECC’s games and she’s here to support their home opener tonight. “I’ve adopted this team to fill the empty space in my heart with my kids no longer playing.” Shannon said “It makes them better men. Especially in today’s world with a lot of distractions.”
Above, NECC Knight Cristian Moscat focused on the drive. Photo by Talan Stratton
In the second half the men continued to play a hard fought game trading baskets early, but as play continues so do the offensive struggles for Bristol. At the 14:48 mark the score is far into NECC’s favor being at 51-28. The Knights dominate the game going into the later minutes. They’re safely in the lead at 69-48 by the 5:30 time mark. It was time for fans to stop worrying and start celebrating a victory as the Knights were destined to take this one barring a miracle. The game wrapped up in a devastating victory for NECC taking the contest with a final score of 80-55. The NECC Knights website shows that Alejandro Delgado lead the team in the campaign. He put together an impressive performance including 20 points, 11 rebounds, and 2 assists.
NECC hopes this is a sign of things to come. With the rest of the season looming the teams will look to build off these wins and stay in good shape for the year.
Editors note:
According to Sporting News men’s college basketball is played in 2 halves, while women’s college basketball is played in 4 quarters. The switch for the women was made during the 2015-16 season in hopes of a better flowing game.
