Nikolas Pignone had 12 points for Rivier in a tough GNAC loss to Lasell Saturday at the Muldoon Center. (Photo courtesy of Rivier Athletics)

NASHUA — It was a tale of two halves for the the Rivier University men’s basketball team on Saturday, unfortunately for the Raiders.

They had played well in the first 20 minutes for a 39-32 lead, but ended up falling to Lasell in their Great Northeast Athletic Conference opener, 86-71, at the Muldoon Center.

Both teams were evenly matched throughout the first half, going back and forth until the end, when Riv (2-4, 0-1 GNAC) was able to get a slight seven-point edge. Miles Gillette, who led the Raiders overall, had 10 of his 19 points during the first 20 minutes with eight coming off the bench.

The second half was a different story for the Raiders, who were outscored 54-32 in the last 20 minutes. Lasell’s Kevin Nunez, who had 11 in the first half, was unstoppable in the paint, putting up 23 points in the half alone. Teammate EJ Day contributed 15 points of his own. Nunez also contributed heavily on the boards, with nine in the half.

Nunez finished with 34 points, 14 rebounds, and four steals. Day had an even 20 points and six rebounds. Gillette had 19 points and 11 rebounds. Nikolas Pignone added 12 points for Riv while Ethan Hutchinson added nine.

With Nunez dominating inside, Lasell (4-2, 1-0) was 44.6% from the floor, while Rivier shot 36.6%.

Rivier will be back in action Tuesday as the Raiders travel to Lesley University for a 7 p.m. tip-off.

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