WATERVILLE, Maine—In a battle between the teams on the top of the North Atlantic Conference, the Thomas College Terriers were able to come away with a 78-72 victory over the Husson University Eagles on Saturday afternoon Larry Mahaney Gymnasium. The game was marked as Thomas' senior day, in which Mike Ross (York, ME) and James Liebowitz (Winslow, ME) were recognized before the game. Thomas would be led by first year player Shawn Rodgers (Philadelphia, PA) who was able to tally 19 points on the afternoon while also ripping down a game high nine rebounds. The Eagles were lead by Matt MacKenzie (Jr., Warren, ME) who also scored 19 points in the contest.

The win for the Terriers marked their first victory over Husson since 1990, and improves their record to 10-9 and 7-3 in the NAC. Husson's loss drops them to 10-10 overall, and 7-2 in the NAC.

After Thomas opened the game on a 7-0 run, Husson University was able to put up points quickly, and take a 16-11 lead with 13:26 to go in the first half. Thomas would then answer and take another seven point lead with 8:21 remaining on the clock. While Husson pushed again at the Terriers, Thomas would eventually take a 41-35 lead into the half, behind 12 points from Rodgers. Shooting would be a highlight for both teams in the first half, with Thomas shooting 60% (18-30) from the field, while the Eagles would shoot 50% (15-30).

Thomas opened the second half with a basket by Andrew Duncanson (So., Portland, ME) to push the lead to eight. The Terriers would maintain a consistent lead, and would put the Eagles down by a 57-46 margin with 11:29 to go in the game. A 14-5 run by the Conference-leading Eagles would pull them within just two points with 6:00 to go in the contest. In the closing minutes of the game, Shawn Rodgers would add back-to-back baskets to stretch the lead to six points. Duncanson would then add four foul shots in the final 34 seconds to give the Terriers the 78-72 victory.

Rodgers' 19 points led Thomas while Duncanson was close behind with 18 points on the afternoon, and added in six assists. Rounding out top-scorers for the Terriers were Isaiah Brathwaite (So., Farmington, ME) and Darrell Alexander (Jr., Fairfield, TX) who contributed 14 and 12 points, respectively, for the win.

The Eagles balanced offense was led by MacKenzie's 19 points, which came on 8-11 shooting from the field. MacKenzie also led Husson with seven rebounds. Blaine Meehan (Sr., Winterport, ME) and Jay Urhin (So., Winterport, ME) would add 12 points each on the afternoon while Nick Perras (Sr., Lancaster, NH) and Brock Bradford (Jr., Kenduskeag, ME) would add 11 and 10 points, respectively.

Thomas' next contest will come on Tuesday, February 10th when they visit cross-town rival Colby for a non-conference match up at 7:00 p.m. Husson will also play their next game on Tuesday, when they host NAC foe Maine Maritime Academy at 5:30 p.m.