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Written by: Phillip St. Pierre
Pushing for a third Northeast 10 Title in four years, Bentley Men’s Basketball entered the postseason with a spectacular record of 22-5, sitting at second place in the Northeast 10. Looking to rebound from back to back home losses against Franklin Pierce and Stonehill, the Falcons hosted #7 UMass Lowell this past Monday in a Northeast 10 quarterfinal match.
The Falcons did not have much of a problem with the River Hawks over the regular season, winning both times they faced each other, but this was a different UMass team. Coming off of a huge win against Assumption in the first round of the playoffs, UMass Lowell’s momentum carried over as they came into the Dana Center and stunned Bentley in a devastating defeat, 76-63.
Bentley closed out the regular season by falling victim to Stonehill, the one team that sits atop the Falcons in the Northeast 10. Surprisingly, Stonehill also lost in their quarterfinal match, falling to #9 Adelphi.
Although the top two teams in the conference are already out of the Northeast 10 Playoffs, both Bentley and Stonehill will compete in the NCAA Division II tournament and could likely meet again. If they do, the Falcons will make sure to be ready and get some revenge against the only team to beat Bentley more than once this season.
Bentley started off the quarterfinal match struggling to make shots as they allowed UMass Lowell to jump out to an early lead, but in what seems like a reoccurring theme for this team, the Falcons responded with a 19-7 run that put them ahead 23-18.
Unfortunately, from there on out the offensive woes of Bentley continued and they let their opponents get too far ahead. The Falcons went into intermission down 34-27 and, although there was still plenty of time left in the game, the second half saw more of the same struggles.
UMass kept pounding away at the Falcons defense, making it hard for Bentley to get back into the game, and the River Hawks extended their lead to 16 with less than 10 minutes left. With not much time remaining, the Falcons finally showed some life in their attempt to cut the deficit.
With less than eight minutes left in the game Bentley began playing a press defense that proved to be very successful against UMass Lowell. The River Hawks became flustered and started committing turnovers, allowing Bentley to gain some momentum.
With a press defense in play the Falcons were able to get steals on their opponents’ next four possessions thanks to Jason Westrol and John Brandt, and they turned the defensive stops into a quick eight points. The Falcons seemed poised to make a comeback.
The Dana Center erupted with life, giving Bentley some much needed confidence to make a late push against their opponents, but a steal and easy layup was negated on a questionable 35 second violation call and the Falcons seemed to lose all their momentum.
Bentley made it close with a few minutes remaining in the match, but late game free throws by UMass Lowell put the game out of reach for the Falcons, as their Northeast 10 playoffs run came to an early halt.
The Falcons shot a dismal 34 percent from the field, including 22 percent from three point line as well as 59 percent in foul shots. The Falcons offensive struggles along with a defense that was outrebounded by 10 points accounts for the loss, as they had to play behind for the majority of the game.
On a positive note, senior Jason Westrol was named Northeast 10 player of the year following the close of the regular season. The senior is much deserving of this award, as he averaged 20.7 points, 5.3 rebounds, 3.9 assists and 2.3 steals on the season.
Jason Westrol has had an amazing career for the Falcons, holding Bentley records in games started (124), consecutive games started (124) and field goals made (730), as well as ranking second in points and steals all time for Bentley with 1,931 career points and 236 career steals. Jason Westrol has excited Falcon Fans again and again throughout his four years at Bentley, and will go down as one of the best players ever to come through the school.
Westrol along with junior Brian Tracey were chosen to represent Bentley on the All Conference teams, first and second respectively. The two have been the offensive catalysts all year and their stellar play and leadership is what has led to a 22 win season for Bentley.
The Falcons season is not over, as they still have the NCAA Division II Tournament to look forward to. Although the seeding has not been released, Bentley expects to get back on track and continue the strong play that they have been exhibiting all season no matter who the opponent is.
Bentley’s teams have made it to the NCAA Regional Finals or further the past three years, so the Falcons hope to extend this streak of victories and make it four in a row.
Although the team has lost three straight games, all at home, a win in the first round of the regional tournament could get the offense back on track and give Bentley momentum to carry them through the rest of the tournament.
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