SPRINGFIELD, Mass., February 4, 2006- Springfield College senior guard Derek Yvon (East Longmeadow, Mass.) led all scorers with 32 points, a season-high, on 12-of-21 shooting from the field and 5-of-9 shooting from beyond the arc as the Pride won its third-straight, 84-65, over Wheaton College in New England Women’s and Men’s Athletic Conference (NEWMAC) action.

SC (8-13, 3-5 NEWMAC) avenged an 83-63 loss to the Lyons earlier in the season (Jan. 10), its worst defeat of the year to date, as the Pride tied its largest margin of victory for the season with the 19-point decision this evening. Accompanying Yvon was senior forward Brian Riley (Worcester, Mass.) with a double-double of 14 points and 10 rebounds to go along with six assists and two steals.

SC jumped out early in this one, leading 14-4 after the first five minutes of action, and 28-10 with 10:52 left in the opening half as the Pride never looked back. SC took a 44-22 lead at the break and led by as many as 28 points (64-36) with 13:20 left in the second stanza.

Senior forward Mike DeCesar (Acton, Mass.) also chipped in with double figures for the Pride, scoring 11 points on perfect shooting from three-point territory (3-3). Junior point guard Anthony Pizzo (Clifton Park, N.Y.) added seven points, six assists and four steals in the win.

Wheaton (13-8, 4-5 NEWMAC) was led by junior guard Brian Zukowski with 16 points and eight rebounds, as senior point guard Sean Kelly had 11 points, four assists and four rebounds.

Yvon now needs exactly 28 points to become the all-time leader at Springfield College in scoring. The senior guard will have the opportunity to accomplish that feat at home as the Pride hosts Clark University on Tuesday evening, February 7, in a 7:30 p.m. NEWMAC tilt.

published: 02/04/2006