Henniker, NH – Husson University men's basketball would hold the New England College to a season low 19 first half points en route to the 89-58 victory Friday evening.

With the win, the Eagles improve to 18-2 on the season and 12-1 in North Atlantic Conference play. The loss drops the Pilgrims to 6-14 overall and 3-10 in conference play.

"We came out with a very business-like approach tonight and controlled the game from the start," said Husson's head coach Warren Caruso. "That's just what we want to do on the road."

Husson would jump out an early six point lead and never look back, shooting an impressive 55 percent from the field in the opening half and building a 48-19 advantage heading into intermission.

The Pilgrims offense would respond in the second half as they were outscored just 41-39 but it would be too late. The Eagles would finish the game shooting 52 percent from the field, including 42 percent from three-point range en route to the 89-58 victory.

Leading the way for Husson was Phil Leighton (Naples, ME) and Donte Cottonham (Silver Spring, MD), who each finished with 15 points for the Eagles. Mike Gonzales (Fort Washington, MD) chipped in 14 points and dished out four assists in just 19 minutes of play, while Jason Burgo (New Haven, CT) tore down a team-high seven rebounds.

Leading the way for NEC was Dezron Wilson (Hartford, CT) who finished with a game-high 19 points on 7-for-10 shooting. NEC's Rob Cassell (Bronx, NY) , Malachi Davis (Brooklyn, NY) and Terrance Thompson (Waterbury, CT) chipped in seven points apiece for the Pilgrims.

NEC returns to action Saturday, Feb. 8 when they host conference opponent Maine Maritime Academy. Husson will hit the court again on Saturday, Feb. 8 when they travel to battle conference foe Colby-Sawyer College.