Story courtesy of Rob Palardy, Assistant Athletic Director for Sports Information

BOSTON, Mass. – Nichols College erased a 16-point deficit in the second half against Lesley University and went on to win 63-59 thanks to strong play down the stretch by the Bison. Lesley dropped to 2-6 on the season while Nichols improved to 4-2.

Lesley finished the first half of a 22-3 run after falling into a 17-8 hole to start the game. Both teams struggled in the first half, shooting a combined 33.3% from the floor, but Lesley’s Shawn Simmons (NORWALK, Conn./Brian McMahon) helped to revitalize the Lynx offense by scoring all eight of his points during that stretch.

Lesley’s Bryant Itonyo (MEDFORD, Mass./Medford) also had a successful first period with 11 points on 3-of-7 shooting including two three-pointers and 3-of-4 from the charity stripe. Itonyo finished with a team-high 14 points.

In the second half, the Lynx held a 40-24 advantage with 15:11 remaining in the game. It would be the largest lead held by either team during the game. Nichols proceeded to fight their way back into the game and trimmed the Lesley lead down to just two-points at 51-49 with 7:08 remaining.

Bison senior guard Chris Paquin (BARRE, Mass./Quabin Regional) then hit a go-ahead three-point basket to give Nichols their first lead since the 4:52 mark in the first half. Paquin had a monster second half with 14 points, five rebounds, three steals, and three assists. The senior hit 4-of-7 attempts from beyond the arc during the period. He finished with a total of 20 points.

The Lynx fired right back with a three-pointer by Itonyo to put Lesley up by two points at 54-52 but the Bison regained the lead and went on a 12-5 run to end the game.

Lesley will be back in action on Monday night for a road game against Curry College starting at 7:00 pm.