Box Score

WATERVILLE, ME - The Thomas men's basketball team could not hold onto their lead in the second half as Husson pulled away late for an 80-69 win in the North Atlantic Conference opener for both teams Tuesday evening. Junior Levi Barnes scored a game-high 34 points in defeat for Thomas.

The Terriers got off to a strong start in the first half, holding the Eagle offense to 27.8% shooting from the field and only 3 of 15 from three-point range. After a Justin Murray three-pointer Thomas held a 29-20 lead with 6:08 remaining in the half, but Husson closed that lead down to just five at the half, 41-36.

The Eagles made up for their poor shooting by knocking down 13 of 17 free throws.

The Terriers would increase their lead back to eight points early in the second half, but Husson went on a 13-2 run to take their first lead of the game, 51-48 with 14:17 remaining. Thomas would not get any closer than three points the rest of the way as the Eagles were able to hold off every run made by the Terriers.

Aaron Willis led Husson with 19 points on the night, going 10 of 10 from the free throw line. Trevon Butler chipped in a double-double with 18 points and 11 rebounds, while Jacob Moore and Mitch Worcester each added 11 for the Eagles.

Barnes had 34 points, eight rebounds and three assists to lead Thomas. Adam Carlsen recorded 12 points and Eric Westbrooks had eight points and eight rebounds in the losing effort for the Terriers, who shot 43.8% (28-64) but committed 22 turnovers that led to 31 Husson points. The Eagles made 29 of 37 foul shots on the night.

Thomas will now look to pick up their first NAC win on the road Friday night when they take on the Lyndon State Hornets at 7:30pm.