BANGOR, Maine — The Husson University men's basketball team dropped a hard-fought 88-81 decision to Lasell University at home Monday evening in non-conference action. 

Husson (1-3) jumped on the Lasers early opening up a 7-2 edge following baskets by freshman Eric Ahlers and a 3-pointer from Taylor Schildroth, eventually increasing its lead to 30-15 with 9:48 remaining in the first half.

Lasell (3-2) chipped away at the Eagles lead over the final nine minutes of the first half to control a 39-37 edge heading into the halftime break. 

The Lasers came out in the second half opening up a 64-51 advantage over the Eagles with 9:32 remaining and managed to cling to a 12-point lead with 2:20 remaining. 

However, Husson elected to press the Lasers over the final two minutes of action, slowing chipping away at Lasell's double-digit advantage, pulling within eight points of the Laser's following a layup from junior Jeremy Moronta. 

Moronta converted on an and-1 opportunity with :28 seconds remaining and freshman Jeremiah Grissom dropped in a clutch layup with :24 seconds left following senior Derek Collin's steal to pull Husson with 84-81.

The Lasers benefited from four free throws down the stretch to come away with the 88-11 decision. 

Moronta dazzled off the bench for the Eagles dropping a game and career-high 28 points with five rebounds and three steals. 

Schildroth finished with 15 points and seven rebounds, while junior Scott Lewis racked up four blocks and a game-high eight rebounds

 The Eagles will look to get back into the win column on Nov. 29 when they battle Bates College on the road at 8 p.m.