BOSTON – The Lesley University men's basketball team fought back from a first half deficit to top Emerson College 53-50 on Thursday evening at Emerson. With the loss EC is now 2-3 on the year as Lesley improves to 2-3 overall.

The first half saw the Lions come out ready to rumble, rolling out a 44% average from the floor as Michael Thorpe put up 15 to open the game and lead the floor. The Lions also pounded the paint as well putting in 10 to start edging away from the Lynx.

Lesley settled down after the early surge from EC though as they started to chip away with Matt Gibson leading with 10 points. The Lynx were scrappy on offensive boards though as they put up seven points off second chances leaving EC with only a slim 30-27 lead at the half.

The second half saw the Lynx come out more composed as they outshot Emerson with a 36% field goal percentage from the floor. Mike Kaufman came off the bench to make the difference for Lesley as he dropped eight points in the half to lead the floor.

The Lions couldn't seem to top the Lynx in the second half as LC stepped up to put in 10 points from turnovers to Emerson's two while putting in 12 in the paint as well. Offensive boards were all Lesley as well as they pulled down seven for seven second chance points. The Lions finally relinquished the lead for the first time in the game with ten minutes left and Lesley never looked back as they edged out a 53-50 win.

The Lions will return to their home court again this Saturday as they set to open GNAC action hosting the Anna Maria AMCATS. Tip-off is set for 1 p.m. in Boston at Emerson's Brown-Plofker Gym.

Release courtesy of Emerson College Media Relations