BANGOR, Maine — The Husson University men's basketball team put together a strong second-half push on Saturday evening inside Newman Gymnasium, but a hot-shooting Saint Joseph's College of Maine squad held off the late surge as the Eagles dropped a 89–69 decision in the eighth annual alumni cup.
Saint Joseph's (2-1) came out firing early, using pressure defense and quick transition baskets to open the game on a 12–3 run. Husson (1-1) broke the seal at the 17:31 mark on a senior Eric Ahlers three-pointer, but the Monks continued to push the pace, scoring repeatedly at the rim to stretch their advantage to double digits.
After falling behind 30–15, the Eagles clawed back with key plays on both ends. Junior Tope Alao delivered an energy boost off the bench with a three-pointer and a fastbreak finish, while sophomore Connor Heald added a pair of strong drives to help Husson cut the deficit to 10 late in the half. Saint Joseph's, however, closed the frame with a final bucket at the horn to take a 41–26 lead into the break.
Husson opened the second half with renewed momentum, sparked by seven early points from junior Andre McCauley, who buried a three and knocked down two free throws to trim the margin to 14. A fastbreak layup by senior Ty Henke made it 50–33, and moments later freshman Christian Smith hit a pull-up jumper to bring Husson within 52–35.
The Eagles continued to battle as the half progressed. McCauley and senior Gil Matondo worked effectively inside, while Heald added another timely bucket to keep the offense moving. Husson's bench—led by Alao's second-half rebounding presence and freshman Pierce Walston's defensive pressure—helped spark multiple stops to create transition opportunities.
Despite Husson's push, St. Joseph's responded with timely shooting, including a trio of three-pointers midway through the half that pushed the lead back to 20. The Eagles made one final run behind aggressive play from Ahlers and another finish at the rim by Henke, but the Monks maintained control down the stretch to secure the win.
McCauley led all Eagles with 22 points, adding four rebounds and two assists. Heald and Matondo each finished with 12 points—Matondo grabbing nine boards and knocking down a key three late in the first half. Ahlers added 11 points to round out Husson's double-digit scorers, while Walston contributed five steals and strong perimeter defense.
Alao delivered six points and five rebounds off the bench, and the Eagles posted 23 second-chance points thanks to 15 offensive boards.
Husson won the turnover battle in the second half and outscored St. Joseph's 30–22 in the paint after halftime. The Eagles also tallied 17 fastbreak points and 20 points from the bench.
Husson looks to bounce back on Tuesday when it hosts Bates College at 7:30 p.m. inside Newman Gymnasium.
