WATERVILLE, Maine — The Husson University men's basketball team fell 96–69 to Colby College on Tuesday night at the Margaret M. Crook Center.
Husson (11-6) opened the game with confidence on the offensive end, striking first as junior Andre McCauley converted inside and added a free throw to give the Eagles an early 3–0 lead. Colby (13-4) responded with a pair of three-pointers, but Husson continued to answer. Sophomore Connor Heald and senior Eric Ahlers connected from the perimeter during an early stretch that saw the lead change hands multiple times, and a transition layup by McCauley midway through the half helped keep the Eagles within a possession.
Colby began to find its rhythm late in the first half behind sharp three-point shooting, but Husson remained within striking distance. Ahlers attacked the basket for back-to-back scores, and senior Ty Henke knocked down a three-pointer to trim the deficit to five, as Husson closed the half strong, heading into the break trailing 52–41.
Colby opened the second half with a quick run, extending the lead with a pair of baskets in the paint and a three-pointer to push the margin to double digits. Husson briefly halted the momentum as McCauley and Ahlers each converted inside, but Colby continued to answer with efficient offense. A series of second-chance points and perimeter makes allowed the Mules to steadily stretch the lead.
Ahlers continued to lead the charge for the Eagles, scoring on drives to the rim and adding a free throw to reach double figures in the second half. Sophomore Jayeson VanBeveren and senior Charlie Katsiaficas each knocked down three-pointers late, as Husson continued to compete through the final horn.
Ahlers finished with a team-high 18 points, while McCauley added 13 points and four assists. Heald contributed 12 points and four rebounds, and Henke scored seven points off the bench. Husson shot 39.4% from the field and 33.3% from three-point range on the night.
Husson returns to action later this week as it continues conference play with a pivotal matchup against the University of Maine at Farmington at Newman Gymnasium beginning at 5:30 p.m.
