Basketball

WRBB will not be providing coverage of Northeastern vs. Alabama in the NIT. Please see the following note from WRBB’s Sports Director.

At WRBB, we take great pride in the fact that we are the flagship station for Northeastern men’s basketball. I believe that our commitment to bringing you the high-quality coverage you deserve is unmatched among student media outlets. Over the past few seasons, this steadfast commitment has lead us to places such as Mexico, Hawaii, Alaska and Louisiana to bring you Huskies basketball.

We are very fortunate to have the opportunity and means to be able to provide such extensive coverage. Unfortunately, that coverage will not extend to Northeastern’s first-round NIT match-up against Alabama. Our commitment may be never-ending, but WRBB’s budget is not, and last-minute flights to Tuscaloosa was just a bridge too far.  We hope to be able to provide coverage of additional rounds, should Northeastern advance.

Thank you for your continued support of WRBB Sports and Northeastern Athletics. As always, Go NU.

- Ben Horner

The game can be seen on ESPN2 at 9 p.m. on Tuesday, March 19

WRBB Sports Basketball

Northeastern’s Bill Coen and Jonathan Lee

James Madison

Zolan Kanno-Youngs Audio, Basketball, Press Pass

Monday, February 25

7:00 p.m. - CAA Full Court Press

Wednesday, February 27

6:45 p.m. – Huskies Pre-Game

7:00 p.m. – Northeastern Basketball: Huskies at Georgia State
with David Kroopnick and Zolan Kanno-Youngs
from GSU Sports Arena in Atlanta, Ga.

Thursday, February 28

8:00 p.m. - Hockey East this Week

Friday, March 1

3:00 p.m. – Dog Pound Sports Sound

6:45 p.m. – Huskies Pre-Game
7:00 p.m. – Northeastern Hockey: Huskies at Maine
with Ben Horner and Ryan Fallon
from Alfond Arena in Orono, Maine.

Saturday, February 23

6:45 p.m. – Huskies Pre-Game
7:00 p.m. – Northeastern Hockey: Huskies at Maine College
with Ben Horner and Ryan Fallon
from Alfond Arena in Orono, Maine.

WRBB Sports Basketball, Hockey, The Dog Pound GSU, Maine

The Northeastern Huskies got back ended a two game losing with a win over 2^nd place James Madison Dukes. The win for the Huskies, at 13-3 in CAA play, secured at least a share of the Colonial Athletic Association regular season title with two games remaining thanks to the heroics of freshmen guard David Walker’s 2 point basket with 2 seconds remaining. The Dukes came in winning 7 of their last night as well as two consecutive against Towson and Delaware. However, the season-high crowd of 3,463 came to historic Matthew’s arena and added to this historic occasion.

Northeastern and James Madison were ready for the potentially tough game, and came out in a tightly contested first half. Northeastern’s largest lead was 7 in the first half while Sophomore Reggie Spencer did much of the early on the low block. Spencer also hit a three pointed with the shot clock running down in the first half which was his first attempt and make of his collegiate career. With threes from Demetrius Pollard, Joel Smith and Zach Stahl late in the first half, the Huskies took a 6 point lead into the locker room at half.

That halftime lead evaporated within four minutes of the second half as turnovers and allowing offensive rebounds plagued the Huskies coming out of halftime. Charles Cooke and Rayshawn Goins led the push here for the Dukes turning that six point deficit into a six point lead on the road. Seniors Jon Lee and Joel Smith struggled a bit in this contest as it appears Joel Smith is still recovering from his ankle injury. Down 6 Coach Bill Coen went with his young lineup featuring only freshmen and sophomores and this group was able to claw their way back and tied that game up at the 5 minute mark. From this point down the stretch neither team led by more than 3 points. As senior guard A.J. Davis came off the bench for the Dukes and provided a huge spark from behind the arc. Davis scored 21 points and hit 4 threes, one of which tied the game with 18 seconds left. But it was David Walker’s game winning shot with 2.8 remaining from the assist by Jon Lee that proved to be the difference.

Quincy Ford and David Walker really picked up the offense with Joel Smith and Jon Lee struggling to find their offensive rhythm. Reggie Spencer played a very solid 30 minutes with 13 points and 5 rebounds as well as being tasked with guarding and limiting the talented Rayshawn Goins, who ended the night with 6 points.

The Huskies can take a bit of rest this week as they take their longest break since the December Holiday break. The Huskies will travel to Georgia State next week for a Wednesday night game. In the mean time The Northeastern Huskies can celebrate clinching at least of share of their first ever CAA championship and first conference championship since they won the America East in the 1992-93 season.

b.challener Basketball James Madison, Title

1. Northeastern University:

1^st place, W-L: 17-10 (12-3); Last Week: 0-2

Hashtags: #roughweek #itaintover #anomaly #OT #endinsight #restfortheweary

The Huskies are certainly making the last two weeks of CAA play interesting aren’t they? Following last Monday’s win at William and Mary things seemed to be going Northeastern’s way but came home Wednesday and were knocked-off in overtime by Delaware 76-74. It took sophomore Jarvis Threatt’s 3-pointer with 10 seconds left in the extra period to give the Blue Hens the decisive bucket. On the bright side Huskies Jon Lee and Quincy Ford both dropped 20-plus points.

Having not lost two games in row since before Christmas Northeastern traveled down to North Carolina to take on UNC Wilmington where they were rudely received by their hosts and lost 73-67.

A light week may be just what the vet ordered for the Huskies as their only contest comes on Wednesday at home against James Madison (10-5). A win for the Huskies would put them three games up on JMU, who currently sits in second, and all but hands Northeastern the regular season crown with two remaining games against an ineligible Georgia State (9-7) and lowly Old Dominion (1-13) next week.

2. James Madison University:

T-2^nd place, W-L: 16-12 (10-5); Last Week: 2-0

Hashtags: #movinonup #lastchancehoney #cardiacarrest #dogfight #Boston

The Dukes had impressive week with wins coming against the two teams nipping at their heals on the ladder. On Tuesday JMU hosted Towson and prevailed 75-70 behind senior Devon Moore’s 13-point and 10-assist performance and senior Rashawn Goings 12 points and eight boards.

In their other tilt JMU went into Delaware and finished off the Blue Hens 72-71. Moore lead the way again with 19-points. But freshman guard Andre Nation was the hero with a dunk with .6 seconds remaining to edge the Hens.

This week JMU has a final chance to make a move for the top of the standings with a Wednesday night matchup against Northeastern (12-3) in Boston. The Dukes would then have to build off any success and come back Saturday and take on R.J. Hunter and Georgia Sate (9-7).

3. Towson University:

T-2^nd place, W-L: 15-13 (10-5); Last Week: 1-1

Hashtags: #Dukedon #WinsAWin #needhelp #BeniMAN

Towson is the highest spoiler on this week’s ladder as they are academically ineligible for post-season play. They can still back themselves into a CAA regular season title if they get help and Northeastern loses out. (Unlikely).

The Tigers did not do themselves any favors by dropping Tuesday’s contest to James Madison 75-70. But they were able to come back on Saturday and take down Hofstra 57-50. As junior Jerrelle Benimon scored 17 points.

Towson has a light week as well with only one game on tap for Saturday. The Tigers will host Drexel (7-7), and a loss ends the worst to first dream that was in sight for Towson on some of the previous ladders. There’s always next year.

4. Delaware University:

4^th place, W-L: 14-13 (9-5); Last Week: (1-1)

Hashtags: #FourthPlaceFourthPlaceFourthPlace #StatementWin #StatementLoss #closeonlycountsinhorseshoes

The Blue Hens looked like they were making a late surge for a top spot in the conference when they took down top-ranked Northeastern on the road in overtime 76-74 on Wednesday. But they followed this effort up with a tough 72-71 loss to James Madison denying Delaware the chance to pick up more ground.

The top seed is out of the question for Delaware but are in line to hold the three seed in the tournament, and would not have to play Northeastern until a championship game. The Blue Hens could make some noise in the tournament, as they are the second-best rebounding team in the CAA behind Towson.

This week Delaware will host Drexel (7-7) Thursday night and wrap up the week in North Carolina with UNCW (5-9) on Saturday.

5. George Mason:

5^th place, W-L: 15-11 (8-6); Last Week 1-1

Hashtags: #roadwarriors #homedoormats #WrightWay #homestretch

The Patriots got lucky on Valentine’s day with a 68-62 win at Drexel as junior Vertrail Vaughns scored a season-high 14 points, as Mason rallied from eight down to get the win. Unfortunately for Mason their luck would run out on Saturday as Georgia State beat up on them and smacked them 78-60 at home.

The Patriots have four remaining games, two at home and two on the road as they try to make a late push up the CAA ladder. And if this is to happen Mason must improve its home record as they are 3-5 at home in CAA play and 5-2 on the road.

First place is out of the picture but with games against Delaware (9-5) and Towson (10-5) during the last week of the regular season. But first things first, this week the Patriots have to beat Hofstra (3-11) on the road on Wednesday and a surging William and Mary (6-9) at home on Saturday.

Alex LaCasse Basketball, The Dog Pound

Monday, February 18

7:00 p.m. - CAA Full Court Press

Tuesday, February 19

6:45 p.m. – Huskies Pre-Game
7:00 p.m. – Northeastern Hockey: Huskies at UMass
with Ben Horner and Jack Thaler
from Mullins Center in Amherst, Mass.

Wednesday, February 20

6:45 p.m. – Huskies Pre-Game
7:00 p.m. – Northeastern Basketball: Huskies vs. James Madison
with Brandon Challener and Coray Runge
from Matthews Arena

Thursday, February 21

8:00 p.m. - Hockey East this Week

Friday, February 22

3:00 p.m. – Dog Pound Sports Sound

6:45 p.m. – Huskies Pre-Game
7:00 p.m. – Northeastern Hockey: Huskies at Providence College
with Ben Horner, Jack Thaler and Ryan Fallon
from Schneider Arena in Providence, RI

Saturday, February 23

6:45 p.m. – Huskies Pre-Game
7:00 p.m. – Northeastern Hockey: Huskies vs. Providence College
with Ben Horner, Jack Thaler and Ryan Fallon
from Matthews Area.

WRBB Sports Basketball, Hockey, The Dog Pound

Monday, February 11

61st Annual Beanpot

7:15 p.m. – Huskies Pre-Game
7:30 p.m. – Northeastern Hockey: Huskies vs. Boston College
with Ben Horner, Jack Thaler and Craig White
from TD Garden

6:45 p.m. – Huskies Pre-Game
7:00 p.m. – Northeastern Basketball: Huskies at William & Mary
with Brandon Challener and Zolan Kanno-Youngs
from Kaplan Arena in Williamsburg, Va.
(Game will be available on WRBB Sports Extra)

Tuesday, February 12

35th Annual Women’s Beanpot

7:45 p.m. – Huskies Pre-Game
8:00 p.m. – Northeastern Hockey: Huskies vs. Boston College
with Ryan Fallon and Joe Nolan
from Matthews Arena

Wednesday, February 13

6:45 p.m. – Huskies Pre-Game
7:00 p.m. – Northeastern Basketball: Huskies vs. Delaware
with David Kroopnick and Zolan Kanno-Youngs
from Matthews Arena

Thursday, February 14

8:00 p.m. - Hockey East this Week

Friday, February 15

3:00 p.m. – Dog Pound Sports Sound

6:45 p.m. – Huskies Pre-Game
7:00 p.m. – Northeastern Hockey: Huskies vs. Vermont
with Ben Horner, Jack Thaler and Ryan Fallon
from Matthews Area.

Saturday, February 16

6:45 p.m. – Huskies Pre-Game
7:00 p.m. – Northeastern Basketball: Huskies at UNCW
with Brandon Challener and Coray Runge
from Trask Coliseum in Wilmington, NC

6:45 p.m. – Huskies Pre-Game
7:00 p.m. – Northeastern Hockey: Huskies vs. Vermont
with Ben Horner, Jack Thaler and Ryan Fallon
from Matthews Area.
(Game will be available on WRBB Sports Extra)

WRBB Sports Basketball, Hockey, The Dog Pound BC, Beanpot, Delaware, UNCW, UVM

Due to the snow storm expected to bury New England in powder over the weekend, the following changes have been made to our broadcast coverage this weekend.

Friday, February 8

6:45 p.m. – Huskies Pre-Game

7:00 p.m. – Northeastern Hockey: Huskies at UMass
with Ben Horner and Jack Thaler
from Mullins Center in Amherst, Mass.

Postponed: WRBB Sports will provide coverage of the rescheduled game on Tuesday, February 12.

Saturday, February 9

3:45 p.m. – Huskies Pre-Game
4:00 p.m. – Northeastern Basketball: Huskies at Old Dominion
with Brandon Challener and Zolan Kanno-Youngs
from Ted Constant Convocation Center in Norfolk, Va.

Game can be seen on Comcast Sports Net

WRBB Sports Basketball, Hockey, The Dog Pound

1.  Northeastern University:

1^st place, W-L: 14-8 (9-1) Last Week: 1-1

Hashtags: #Imperfect #Hunted #bounceback #homestretch #bottomfeeding

The Huskies suffered their first loss of the season on Wednesday night when R.J. Hunter and Georgia State came up to Boston. The Huskies had no answer for Hunter as he dropped 27 points on 10-18 shooting, including his 5-11 performance from behind the arc. Northeastern held a 10-point lead in the second half but could not finish the job, falling 78-73. Despite sophomore Quincy Ford’s poor shooting performance, fellow sophomore Demetrius Pollard continues to make the most of his playing time off the bench, scoring 15 points.

Northeastern rebounded on Saturday night on NBC Sports Network with a home victory over Drexel. Senior Jonathan Lee led the way for Northeastern with 17 points in the 59-52 win. Lee scored his 1,000^th career point as the game was tied going into the break, after trading baskets and lead changes to start the second half, Northeastern was able to pull away with a 8-0 run and didn’t look back.

This week the Huskies play the CAA’s worst as they travel to Hofstra (2-7) on Wednesday and to Old Dominion (0-9) on Saturday. Translation: don’t expect a shakeup atop next week’s ladder.

2. Delaware University:

2^nd place, W-L: 11-11 (6-3) Last Week: 3-0

Hashtags: #ladderjumper #onesanaccident #twoisacoincedence #threeisatrend

The Blue Hens began the week in Philadelphia with a 66-64 win against Drexel last Monday, which powered them to an undefeated week. Delaware led the Dragons by 15 with less than five minutes to play in the game. Drexel then went on a 9-0 run led by star guard Damion Lee scoring seven during the stretch. With Delaware leading 65-64 inside of a minute to play, the Blue Hens gave up multiple looks at a go-ahead shot but Drexel’s Franz Massenat could not get them to drop.

The Blue Hens brought this momentum home with them and beat William and Mary, 66-56, on Wednesday. Delaware dominated the glass pulling down 43 rebounds to the Tribe’s 31. Coupled with three Blue Hens scoring in double figures, William and Mary could not keep up. On Saturday, the dominance on the boards continued for Delaware as they outrebounded UNCW 41-29. Jamelle Hagins and junior Devon Saddler gave Delaware an inside-outside punch scoring 20 and 21 points respectively as the Blue Hens defeated UNCW 71-56.

This week Delaware will travel on the road and hope to continue build off this three game win-streak. They play at Towson (6-4) on Wednesday, who backed into the last spot on the ladder. Delaware closes the week with a Saturday afternoon game against George Mason (6-4).

3. James Madison University:

T-3^rd place, W-L: 13-11 (7-4): Last Week: 2-1

Hashtags: #surprisesurprise #showmesomething #goinsplaces #D-fence

The Dukes had won four in a row until a loss to George Mason, 74-63, at home on Saturday. The loss also snapped a six-game home-winning streak for James Madison. The positive that came out of the loss was that senior Devon Moore scored a career high 25 points.

Led by their CAA-best scoring defense, allowing 56.7 points per game, the Dukes won their first two games this week against UNCW (63-56)and Old Dominion (56-46). Senior big man Rayshawn Goins has put the Dukes on his back as he has scored in double-digits in 13 of his last 15 contests.

This week JMU will host William and Mary (3-7) on Wednesday night. The Dukes finish up the week with a Sunday night game in Philadelphia to take on Drexel (5-5) with a chance to bury the Dragons outside the top five in the CAA

4. Georgia State University:

T-3^rd place, W-L: 12-12 (7-4): Last Week: 2-0

Hashtags: #giantHunters #movinonup #stayingpower #ineligible

The Panthers continued their ascent on the ladder thanks in large part to freshman R.J. Hunter. Hunter led Georgia State into Mathews Arena in Boston and knocked off top-ranked Northeastern and scored 27 points along the way in a 78-73 victory.

Georgia State kept rolling on Saturday when it came home to pound last-place Old Dominion, 83-63, behind Hunter’s 38 points, on 10 3-pointer performance. Since they are leaving the CAA after this season the Panthers are not eligible to compete in the postseason. But one thing remains clear; the Panthers will be enjoying their role as the spoiler for the rest of the conference vying for the top spots come tourney time.

This week Georgia State travels to Wilmington to take on UNCW (3-6) on Wednesday. On Saturday the Panthers take on Towson (6-4) at home with the chance to continue the Tigers’ slide.

5. Towson University:

5^th place, W-L: 11-12 (6-4), Last Week: 1-0

Hashtags: #slideover #easyweek  #backontrack?

Coming off a three game losing streak, the Tigers could not afford a poor showing this week, especially seeing how they were playing Old Dominion who is winless in CAA play.

Towson almost did not show up, narrowly escaping ODU with a 68-66 win. If it was not for Jerrelle Benimon’s 21-point, 17-rebound and five-block performance, Towson would have themselves looking up at George Mason and the other teams ahead of them on the ladder.

The Tigers have the chance to gain some ground back as they will play UNCW (3-6) tonight at home and host Delaware (6-3) on Wednesday night. Towson closes out the busy three-game week on the road at Georgia State (7-4). This week will go a long ways in determining if Towson has the staying power to go from a horrible 1-31 campaign last season to making waves atop the CAA in 2013.

***Note that George Mason is also 6-4 in conference and tied for fifth but had a 1-1 record this past week and was left off the ladder.

Alex LaCasse Basketball CAA Sports, Top of the Ladder