WORCESTER, Mass. – Southern Connecticut men's basketball fell to Assumption, 66-56 on Tuesday evening in an NE10 matchup. The Greyhounds improved to an overall record of 14-9 and an NE10 record of 9-5. The Owls dropped to an overall record of 9-13 and an NE10 record of 5-9.
Malik Banks had a team-best of 20 points, was 6-for-12 from the floor and was 7-for-7 from the free-throw line.
Cherif Diarra recorded another double-double of 15 rebounds and 10 points, with 4-for-4 from the free-throw line, had two blocks and two assists.
Justice Ellison added eight points for the Owls, with six boards and a team-best of four assists against the Greyhounds.
In the first half, the Greyhounds started the game off with a 13-3 lead, with
Cherif Diarra scoring an and-one, to get the Owls going. Minutes later, Diarra hit another and-one and a made layup by
Makai Coleman, help cut the lead of Assumption, to just five points. The Greyhounds continued to extend their lead; however, points from
Simon Percy,
Malik Banks,
Justice Ellison and
Kazell Stewart allowed the Owls stay within reach of Assumption. Diarra hit a good jumper, to bring Southern within nine points of the Greyhounds, heading into halftime.
In the second half, Southern looked to make a comeback as they got within six points of Assumption, due to points from
Christian McClease, Banks, and Ellison. However, the Greyhounds went on a 12-0 run and extended their lead to 53-34, with 12 minutes to go. After that,
Malik Banks scored five straight points, to help Southern get some momentum back on their side. Banks continued to dominate on the offensive end for the Owls; but, Assumption also continued to put points on the board. Southern went on a 10-2 run to end the game; however, as time expired, the Greyhounds held on to the 66-56 victory.
The Owls will return home to the James Moore Field House for an NE10 matchup on Saturday, February 14 at 3:30 pm against American International.
PRIDE DAY
Join Southern Connecticut State University's Athletic Department for
Pride Day on Saturday, Feb. 14, a celebration of LGBTQ+ pride, inclusion, and community at the James Moore Field House! This special event will take place during SCSU's basketball doubleheader against
American International College and will feature a vibrant halftime performance by
Bleach the Drag Queen.
The afternoon tips off with the
Women's Basketball game at 1:30 PM, followed by the
Men's Basketball game at 3:30 PM. Fans attending either (or both!) games can enjoy the excitement of competition alongside a dynamic drag performance that brings energy, joy, and visibility to the celebration.
Pride Day is proudly presented in partnership with the
SAGE Center and the
Division of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, reaffirming SCSU's commitment to creating inclusive spaces where all members of our community feel seen, valued, and supported.
