WATERVILLE, Maine — The Husson University men's basketball team opened North Atlantic Conference play with a strong road performance on Friday night, using a high-powered second half to secure an 85–71 win over Thomas College at Larry Mahaney Gymnasium.
The Eagles (2-2, 1-0 NAC) led 35–30 at halftime after closing the first half on a 7–2 run, and they carried that momentum into the final 20 minutes by shooting 51.7 percent while outscoring the Terriers (1-4, 0-1 NAC) 50–41.
Thomas opened the game with consecutive layups, but Husson quickly answered as sophomore Dylan Burpee drilled an early three and freshman Christian Smith converted in transition to steady the Eagles. The teams traded baskets for much of the half, with Thomas leaning on points in the paint while Husson connected from the perimeter, highlighted by threes from Burpee and sophomore Connor Heald.
Husson forced 10 turnovers in the opening period and scored 11 points off those mistakes, helping the Eagles build a small lead. A late push that included a Heald drive and a strong inside finish from senior Gil Matondo gave Husson a five-point advantage at the break.
Husson opened the second half with a Heald three from the right wing and never looked back. Burpee added a layup moments later to extend the lead, and although Thomas' TJ Blackmon kept the Terriers close with timely scoring, the Eagles repeatedly responded.
Smith knocked down a three at the 15:53 mark, freshman Pierce Walston hit a jumper shortly after, and Heald continued to attack effectively off the dribble. In transition, junior Andre McCauley delivered several key baskets that pushed the lead to double digits. Husson controlled the pace throughout the half and sealed the win with a strong performance at the free-throw line, going 16-for-19 in the period.
McCauley led the Eagles with 22 points on an efficient 7-of-10 shooting effort while adding six made free throws. Heald finished with 17 points, knocking down four three-pointers and contributing five rebounds and four assists in a complete performance.
Matondo made a significant impact in the paint, recording 12 points and 11 rebounds to secure a double-double. Senior Eric Ahlers added 13 points, powered by a 9-for-10 night at the foul line, and Smith reached double figures with 10 points, while Walston served as the team's primary distributor, finishing with six assists.
Husson held a 47–16 advantage in bench scoring and shot 47.5 percent from the field while holding Thomas to 4-of-22 from three-point range.
The Eagles have a quick turnaround, as they battle Lesley University tomorrow at 1 p.m. in Massachusetts.
