BENNINGTON, Vt.- The Southern Vermont College Mountaineers Men's Basketball team clinched their second straight trip to the NECC postseason with a 74-72 victory over the Lesley Lynx Saturday at the Mountaineer Athletic Center (MAC). Lance Spratling led the Mountaineers with a 31 point performance.
For the second straight game the Mountaineers hung on at the final seconds for the win. After leading 30-17 with 8:30 remaining in the first half the Mountaineers went on a 7 minute drought allowing the Lynx to tie the game at 34 going into the half. To start the second half the Mountaineers quickly regained the lead with a 10-2 run. Once again though Lesley fought back taking a 72-71 lead with 2:30 remaining in the game. With the ball Lesley had four chances to increase their lead but a stingy Mountaineers defense held, setting up the Mountaineers game winning shot. Avery Mitchell drove the right side and converted a layup while getting fouled on the play. Mitchell missed his free throw giving Lesley one more chance but the Lynx couldn't take advantage.
Southern Vermont's Ben Naaktgeboren had a double-double for the third straight game scoring 13 points and pulling down 12 rebounds. Naaktgeboren also had a game high four blocks. Taeshon Johnson joined Spratling and Naaktgeboren in double figures with 14 points.
The Lynx were led by an outstanding performance from Jesus Trejo who scored 19 points and grabbed 12 boards. Thornton Paul (16), John Sanchez (13), and Myles Mungcal (11) all scored double digets for the Lynx.
Southern Vermont improves to 13-8 overall, 7-3 in conference play while Lesley dropped to 4-16 overall and 1-9 in the NECC. Southern Vermont travels to conference foe Daniel Webster on Tuesday February 8th. Lesely also travels to Daniel Webster next when it takes to the road tomorrow February 6th.