The win snaps a modest two-game losing streak for the Nor'easters, improving their record to 7-11, 3-7 in Commonwealth Coast Conference games. The Crusaders lost for the fourth consecutive outing to fall to 2-16 (1-8 CCC).
Eastern Nazarene staked itself to a 30-24 halftime lead, thanks in part to 47.8 percent (11 of 23) shooting from the floor. Luc Jasmin '08 (Pawtucket, R.I.) scored 11 points in the opening frame to help the visitors to their lead.
The Nor'easters began the second half with a 12-6 run to even things up at 36-36. The game went back-and-forth for the next 10 minutes until UNE took control. Marriott's drive and finish with just over five minutes left gave the hosts the lead (52-50) for good. The sophomore guard tallied four more points down the stretch to help UNE hold off any ENC comeback bid.
Matt McManus '06 (Cumberland, R.I.) led the way for UNE with 18 points, including three 3-point field goals. Marriott was 5-for-7 from the field and 4-for-5 from the free throw line en route to his 15 points, while Isaac Stickney '08 (Rumford, Maine) added 12 points and eight rebounds.
The Nor'easters shot a sizzling 63.6 percent (14 of 22) from the floor in the second half and matched their season low with 10 turnovers for the game.
Ricardo Jean-Noel '09 (Montreal, Quebec) poured in a game-high 19 points in a losing cause. He was 3-for-5 from beyond the arc. Jasmin ended with 16 points and eight rebounds.
UNE will play host to Colby-Sawyer College at the Campus Center on Tuesday, while ENC travels to Nichols College that same evening.