It was the Mass. State Conference opener for both teams. Westfield improved to 9-5 overall while Bridgewater is 7-6.
All five starters scored in double figures for Westfield, including senior forward James Ogbunize (Springfield Sci-Tech), who had 14 points and team highs of nine rebounds and four blocked shots.
The Owls only committed three first-half turnovers as they took a 34-31 halftime lead. Sparked by back-to-back 3-point baskets by sophomore guard Tony Collier (Colchester, VT), Westfield led by as many as 17 points, 68-51, with 9:27 remaining.
But Bridgewater, hitting Westfield with a full-court press, went on a 12-0 run to close with five points, 68-63, with 5:15 remaining. Westfield then took a nine-point lead at the 4:10 mark following two free throws and a lay-in by Jurkowski. Westfield regained its double-digit lead by making seven free throws down the stretch.
Collier and junior forward Curtis Gadles (Pembroke) both scored 14 points and junior point guard Gavin Illangakoon (Ellington, CT) contributed 11 points and a game-high six assists.
Bridgewater, which committed 22 turnovers to Westfield’s 10, was led in scoring by Tom Cuddihy (Scituate) with 17 points. Bridgewater 6-9 junior center Tyler Lang (Franklin) had seven points, 13 rebounds and three blocks.