News Summary
The KSC Owls celebrate a decisive 95-75 victory over UMass-Boston in the Little East Conference semi-finals, propelling them one step closer to a fourth consecutive championship. With impressive teamwork and standout performances, KSC looks to make history as they compete against Western Connecticut State University in the finals scheduled for March 1. Fans are eagerly anticipating this thrilling matchup as the Owls aim for their 10th NCAA tournament appearance.
Keene Celebrates as KSC Men’s Basketball Advances to Championship
In the charming city of Keene, the atmosphere was electric on Thursday night as the Keene State College Owls soared to a decisive 95-75 victory over the University of Massachusetts-Boston in the semi-finals of the Little East Conference (LEC) tournament. The game, held at the vibrant Spaulding Gymnasium, not only showcased the Owls’ impressive skills but also put them one step closer to making history.
A Strong Start
The Owls wasted no time in establishing their dominance, jumping out to a commanding lead of 19-7 just five minutes into the game. This early surge saw them hitting five three-pointers, leaving the Beacons struggling to catch up. Throughout the game, KSC maintained their lead, with UMass-Boston trailing by double digits for a whopping 34 minutes of the contest. The Owls exhibited sharp shooting, especially in the first half where they went an impressive 10-of-15 from three-point range, resulting in a comfortable 54-32 advantage at halftime.
Standout Performers
Fans were treated to a dazzling performance from the Owls, with five players reaching double figures in scoring. Though many contributed to the scoreboard, Mitch Shettles shined bright, netting 15 points on 6-of-7 shooting in just 18 minutes on the court. The ever-consistent Octavio Brito continued to impress, recording another double-double with 13 points and 15 rebounds. Other key contributors included Spencer Aronson, Leo Chaikin, and Mason Jean Baptiste, each contributing 11 and 13 points respectively.
Teamwork Makes the Dream Work
One of the highlights of the game was the Owls’ teamwork, recording an impressive 20 assists on 33 made baskets, while exhibiting remarkable composure with only 10 turnovers. This type of ball movement is essential in establishing a strong offensive rhythm, and the Owls demonstrated that to perfection.
Thrilling Championship Showdown Ahead
With this victory, the Owls not only raised their season record to an impressive 21-5, but also set their sights on a remarkable fourth consecutive LEC championship. KSC is chasing league history, as they aim to surpass only the second three-peat ever recorded, previously achieved by UMass-Dartmouth from 1993 to 1995. The championship game is poised for Saturday, March 1, at 1:00 PM, where KSC will face the second-seeded Western Connecticut State University (WCSU).
The Road Ahead
WCSU advanced to the finals after a come-from-behind win against Rhode Island College with a score of 81-68. The Owls and WCSU have had quite the competitive season, with each team securing a win in their regular season matchups. KSC previously delivered a commanding victory in January, while WCSU squeaked by with a narrow victory in February.
Looking Back
The victory over UMass-Boston marked the ninth consecutive win for KSC against their rivals, and they now lead the all-time series 52-9. This championship game will mark KSC’s 17th appearance since joining the Little East Conference before the 1997-1998 season, as the team looks to secure its 10th NCAA tournament appearance. With their recent history of reaching the Sweet 16 in the past two seasons, the Owls are certainly set on making a strong run this year!
As the countdown to the championship begins, excitement buzzes in the air! Will KSC continue their winning streak and make history? Only time will tell, but supporters are ready to rally behind their team for what promises to be an exhilarating championship showdown!
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Keene State Advances to LEC Championship with Big Win
Keene State Men’s Basketball Achieves Thrilling Victory
Additional Resources
- Keene Owls: Four Owls Earn Weekly LEC Awards
- Wikipedia: Keene State College
- Keene Owls: Men’s Basketball Set to Battle Clark in NCAA Tournament
- Google Search: Little East Conference
- Keene Owls: Rautiola Again Named First Team All-LEC
- Google News: NCAA Basketball
- Keene Owls: Brown and Odiase Named Owl Athletes of the Week
- Encyclopedia Britannica: College Basketball
