Keene, NH - Husson men's basketball defeated non-conference opponent Keene State, 81-76, in their first game of the 2013-2014 season. 

The Eagles, who held the lead for most of the game, jumped out to a 10-4 lead early in the first half. Brooks Spaulding (Fairfield, ME) scored 7 points quickly to push Husson ahead of the Owls who briefly tied it at 13-13 after two made free shots by Jim Hepple.

Husson saw their lead grow to as much as 14 points, and went into the half leading 42-32. 

With eleven minutes remaining in the game the Owl's closed the lead to just one point after Tre Tipton made two free throws to make it 54-53. Husson answered back with a Donte Cottonham (Silver Spring, MD) 3-pointer on the next two Eagle's possessions, and Aaron Willis (New York, NY) grabbed a 3-pointer and a layup in the two Husson possessions following that to stretch the lead to 65-59. 

The Owls hung around late in the game, outscoring the Eagles in the 2nd half 44-39, but their late game efforts fell short. Husson made all 4 of their free throws in the final minute to secure the victory 81-76. 

The Eagles shot 41.3% from the floor, 42.1% from the 3-point arc and 70% from the free throw line, while the Owls shot 34.2% from the field, 23.8% from the 3-point arc and 54.8% from the line.

Leading the Eagles was Willis who ended the night with 16 points, 3 rebounds, and 3 steals. Spaulding added 14 points, going a perfect 5-5 from the field, with 4 rebounds, 2 blocks, and 1 steal. Cottonham was strong from the 3-point arc and ended the night with 11 points, 3 rebounds, and 1 assist.

Jacob Moore (Hampden, ME) grabbed a double-double on the evening with 10 rebounds, and 10 points, as well as 1 assist and 1 steal. Mike Gonzales (Fort Washington, MD) also grabbed 10 points with 5 rebounds, 1 assist, and 1 steal. 

"That was a great college basketball game tonight. Both teams competed hard and tonight we got the better of it. We had a lot of guys contribute, it was truly a team win," said Head Coach Warren Caruso.

Leading the way for the Owls were Nick Gagliolo and Nate Howard who both had 12 points. Howard had the game leading 18 rebounds and 4 blocks. 

"It's one game and we need to continue to get better every day," added Caruso.

The Eagles (1-0) will host the University of Maine at Augusta on Monday, November 18th at 7:00 PM at Newman Gymnasium.