ATTLEBORO, Mass. – The Lesley University men's basketball team are back in the New England Collegiate Conference (NECC) Championship Tournament for the first time in six years, announced Saturday evening.
The Lynx claimed a third seed following a program-best 15-10 record including a 9-7 record against conference foes. They will host the sixth-seed Regis College (9-16, 6-9 NECC) on Tuesday night at 8:00 p.m.
It is the third time the Lynx will face the Pride this season, coming out victorious in both meetings. Lesley defeated Regis in a tight, three-point, 61-58 victory on Tuesday January 24th before completing the season sweep for the first time in program history with a convincing 92-83 win on Tuesday February 14th.
Southern Vermont College's strong second half of the season propelled them to the top of the NECC going in the playoffs. The Mountaineers finished the season with a winning streak of 14 games. SVC earned a NECC record of 14-2 to take the regular season crown for the third straight season.
Becker College finished second and earned the right for a first round bye in the tournament. The Hawks finished with a record of 13-3 and hope to get back to the NECC Championship game as they did a year ago.
The other first round game will be held at fourth seeded Wheelock College. The Wildcats make the NECC playoffs for the first time since the 2011-12 season. They will host fifth seeded Mitchell College. The two split their season series ensuring a tight first round matchup, with a tipoff at 7:30pm on Tuesday, February 21st.
The winners of the first round games will advance to the semifinals Thursday, February 23rd, which will be played at the highest remaining seeds. The semifinal winners will then face off in the NECC Championship on Saturday, February 25th at the highest remaining seed.
First Round – Tuesday, February 21st
Game 1: #5 Mitchell @ #4 Wheelock 7:30 p.m.
Game 2: #6 Regis @ #3 Lesley 8:00 p.m.
Semifinals – Thursday, February 23rd
Game 3: Winner of Game 1 @ #1 Southern Vermont – 7:00pm
Game 4: Winner of Game 2 @ #2 Becker - 7:00pm
Championship – Saturday, February 25th
Game 5: Game 3 winner vs. Game 4 winner – TBA