Eastern Connecticut pulled out to an eight-point lead early in the second half. Old Westbury's Michael Garrett responded with a three-pointer that kicked off a 16-3 run by the Panthers that left Old Westbury ahead 32-27 eight minutes later. Russell Brereton, who tallied nine points during the run, capped the streak with a three-pointer followed with a three-point play less than a minute later that increased Old Westbury's lead to six.
The Warriors closed in on the Panthers and would regain the lead at the 6:11 mark with a three-pointer by Greg Lacosta. Old Westbury recovered the lead with 2:55 remaining in regulation on another three-point play by Brereton, but Eastern Connecticut’s Geoffrey Richardson tied the game at 44 20 seconds later.
With 1:13 on the clock, Garrett sank one-of-two from the free throw line, but Leon Martin put the Warriors back on top by one with a jumper on the next play. Brereton’s attempt on the next play missed, but after two missed tip-in attempts, the Panthers regained possession after a blocked shot with 32 seconds to go. Jackson’s basket put Old Westbury up 47-46 and Richardson missed the game-winning lay-up attempt with two seconds on the clock.
In the first half Eastern Connecticut pulled ahead to a 13-4 lead with 10:58 on the clock on a made three-pointer by Daniel DeJesus. Jackson came off the bench for Old Westbury and instantly sparked the offense, kicking off an 11-2 run with a made lay-up on the next play. Jackson tallied nine of the Panthers 11 points during the run that tied the game at 15-all with 3:38 remaining in the half.
Jackson led all scorers with 16 points; Brereton added 15 for the Panthers in the win. Martin finished with 10 to lead Eastern Connecticut in the loss.
Old Westbury will return to non-conference action on Sunday, January 22 at Purchase. Tipoff is scheduled for 2:00 pm.