Boston, Mass. - January 27, 2016 - Despite holding a 15-point lead at halftime, the Springfield College men's basketball team suffered a 73-59 setback at Emerson College on Wednesday evening in New England Women's and Men's Athletic Conference (NEWMAC) play.

Emerson improves to 7-11, 2-5 in league play, while the loss snaps Springfield's three-game winning streak as it falls to 7-11, 3-4.

The Pride had four starters reach double figures in the scoring column, led by Brandon Eckles (East Greenwich, R.I.), who scored all 12 of his points in the first half.  Andy McNulty (West Springfield, Mass.), Josh Downes (East Sandwich, Mass.), and Josh Altman (Rockport, Mass.) each scored 11 points in the loss.  Springfield's bench was outscored 47-12 in the contest.

After shooting nearly 47% from the floor and holding the host Lions to 25% shooting in the opening 20 minutes, Springfield went cold in the second half, connecting on 7-for-32 (21.9%) attempts, while Emerson was outstanding offensively, shooting 18-for-29 (62.1%).  For the game, the Pride hit just 2-of-16 from beyond the arc and was outrebounded, 37-28.

Springfield couldn't have asked for a better start to the game as it roared out to a 15-0 lead just over five minutes into the contest following a jumper by Downes.  Springfield's lead would grow to as many as 17 on a triple by McNulty with 6:09 on the clock, and the Pride was in complete control heading into halftime with a 38-23 cushion.

However, the Lions took control from the opening whistle of the second half, pouring on a 21-3 run over the first nine-plus minutes to take a 44-41 lead it would not relinquish.  The hosts erupted for 50 points in the second half after managing just 23 in the opening half as it eased its way to an important 14-point league win.

The Pride will now prepare for a showdown with nationally-ranked WPI on Saturday when it travels to Worcester for a 7:00 pm tilt.