BANGOR, Maine – The Husson University men's basketball team delivered one of its most complete performances of the season on Friday evening, rolling past Vermont State University Lyndon, 111-75, in North Atlantic Conference action at Newman Gymnasium.
The Eagles (15-9, 14-3 NAC) wasted little time setting the tone. After winning the tip-off, sophomore Dylan Burpee buried a three-pointer just 18 seconds into the game off a feed from senior Gil Matondo, sparking a quick surge. Senior Eric Ahlers ignited a decisive first-half run, connecting on three-consecutive triples in a span of just over two minutes to push Husson's lead into double digits. His third three-pointer of the stretch made it 21-6 and forced the Hornets (7-17, 5-12 NAC) into an early timeout.
Husson continued to stretch the margin behind its defensive pressure and transition offense. Ahlers added another fastbreak three at the 12:16 mark to give the Eagles a 30-10 advantage. The Eagles consistently turned stops into scoring chances, finishing with 24 points off turnovers on the night.
Lyndon battled behind a strong first half from Wesley McIntyre, but Husson maintained control. Sophomore Connor Heald knocked down a three from the wing with 14:30 remaining in the half, and Christian Smith added a triple midway through the period to keep the momentum on the Eagles' side. In the closing minutes of the half, Smith converted a three-point play and Matondo finished a fastbreak layup to help Husson carry a 51-37 lead into the break.
The Eagles shot nearly 49% from the floor and 50% from beyond the arc in the opening 20 minutes, building separation with their perimeter shooting.
Coming out of halftime, Husson quickly erased any thoughts of a comeback. Burpee opened the scoring in the second half with a transition three-pointer, and moments later Smith drilled another from long range to extend the cushion. Ahlers followed with yet another three, stretching the lead to 60-43 with just over 17 minutes to play.
Husson continued to attack inside and out. Senior Ty Henke threw down a dunk in traffic, freshman Pierce Walston finished multiple fastbreak opportunities, and Ahlers scored through contact on several drives to the rim. The Eagles led by as many as 36 points in the second half.
Ahlers paced all scorers with 33 points, shooting 12-of-22 from the field and 7-of-12 from three-point range. Burpee added 14 points, while Smith finished with 13 points and a co-game-high eight assists. Heald chipped in 11 points, and Derrick Carroll provided a spark off the bench with 10 points as Husson's reserves combined for 36 bench points.
As a team, the Eagles were outrebounded by Lyndon 53-42, but dished out 28 assists on 44 made field goals, showcasing their unselfish ball movement and balanced attack.
Husson closes out the regular season on Saturday as it welcomes Vermont State University Johnson to Newman Gymnasium for senior day at 1 p.m.
