We're Goin' to the 'Ship!

Last nights matchup between Salve Regina and UNE gets my vote for "Game of the Year" at UNE. The SeaHawks have shown that they are fans of drama, as it took a double-overtime win against Nichols to advance against UNE, and a finish in the final minute of the game that exited them from the tournament. The Campus Center was near maximum capacity last night, and the crowd was roaring as the Nor'Easters advanced to the TCCC Championship Game.
The game went back-and-forth all night long, as the teams exchanged leads nine times, and were all tied up five times. Both teams played a bit sloppy, as they combined for 60 turnovers, including 35 steals.
The Nor'easters were forced to fight back after trailing by five at the end of the first frame. UNE heated up in the second half, shooting 55% from the field, while Salve Regina cooled down, connecting on only 35% of their shots.
Leading with less than three minutes remaining, the SeaHawks lead by three, but would not connect on another field goal the rest of the way. Senior guard Steve Belmonte hit the biggest shot of his career with 1:30 left, putting the Nor'easters up for good.
The final 45 seconds became a game of free throws. After Chas Renthrope made two with 30 ticks left, the Nor'easters made it interesting only going 1-4 in the final seconds of the game, giving the SeaHawks a chance to win with three seconds left. Sophmore guard Windell Hickson let go a half-court runner, which clanked off the back rim, to give the Nor'easters the win and a birth to the TCCC Championship game.
Salve Regina's Justin Woodworth posted a double double for the visitors with a game high 27 points while grabbing 10 boards. The Nor'easters had three players in double figures, with Johnnie Jefferson being the leading scorer with 18 points. Quentin Thompson dumped in 16, and Juice Simpson went 8-11 from the charity stripe and finished with 12 points for UNE. Renthrope played tremendous defense down the stretch, denying Woodworth the ball, and finished with a game high six steals.
The Nor'easters will host second seeded Colby-Sawyer College tomorrow night at 7 pm. Colby-Sawyer will seek revenge, as UNE was able to top the Chargers two weeks ago, 81-72, in a regular season match-up. The Chargers are 20-6 on the year, and were the pre-season pick to win the conference. Be sure to get there early as the first 150 students to arrive will receive new, unreleased tee-shirts.