Trailing 41-31 following a layup by Mount Ida senior Scott Chamberlain (Millis, Mass./Millis), the Lynx rallied for a 13-2 run over the final four minutes of the first half to take a 44-43 advantage into the locker room. They shot 59.3% (16-27) from the field and drilled four three-pointers in the opening frame.
The Mustangs responded with a 20-8 run to begin the second half and led by 12 points (64-52) after a trifecta by sophomore Mike Dunham (Salem, N.H./Salem). They maintained a ten-point (69-59) edge with just over eight minutes remaining in regulation , but Lesley erupted for 17 of the games next 24 points to knot things up with 1:09 on the clock.
Following a pair of missed shots by Mount Ida, freshman Dana Datillo (Derry, N.H./Tilton School) netted what proved to be the game-winning jumper to give the Lynx a 79-77 lead with just 12 seconds remaining. Senior captain Matt McGaughran (Taunton, Mass./Coyle & Cassidy) converted on one-of-two free throws on the Mustangs ensuing possession and Brittian drained a pair of freebies at the other end to give the hosts a three-point (81-78) cushion. Dunham had a chance to send the game to overtime, but he misfired on a three-pointer at the buzzer, and Lesley escaped with its fourth consecutive win.
The Lynx made 54.4% (31-57) of their shots from the floor and shot 82.4% (14-17) from the free-throw stripe in the contest. Four players registered five assists or more, as they collected 26 helpers on 31 made baskets. Junior James Parker (Sandwich, Mass./Tabor Academy) knocked down three triples en route to an 18-point effort, while Datillo added ten points and five assists. Freshman Zach Rocha (New Bedford, Mass./New Bedford) chipped in with nine points and seven boards for Lesley.
Five players reached double-digits in the scoring column for the visiting Mustangs. Chamberlain led the way with 16 points and five rebounds, while McGaughran and freshman Andy McCoo (Penacook, N.H./Merrimack Valley) recorded 15 points apiece. Dunham and junior Andreas Vasiliu (Newton, Mass./Newton North) connected on three treys apiece, and junior Doug Williams (Ellicot City, Md./St. Mary’s) registered ten points to go with team-highs of nine boards and five assists for Mount Ida.
Mount Ida (3-14, 2-5 NAC) will be off until next Wednesday, when it hosts Becker College for a league matchup beginning at 8:00 p.m. Lesley (8-8, 4-3 NAC) will also be in action on Wednesday, as it travels to Elms College for a league game at 8:00 p.m.