Matt Youngquist had a big 3-pointer for Rivier to give the Raiders a 15-point halftime lead over Mitchell Monday night but Rivier coudn't hold on. (Photo courtesy of Rivier Athletics)

NEW LONDON, Conn. – The Rivier men’s basketball team fell to conference opponents Mitchell, 74-73, in a non-conference matchup Monday evening at the Yarnall Center.

With the loss, the Raiders close out the first semester with a 5-6 record, while the Mariners improved to 3-6.

HOW IT HAPPENED

Rivier struck first with strong play inside, as seniors Robenson Baguidy and Izaiah Shaw-Glen converted early looks to tie the game 8-8 through the first five minutes of play.

The Raiders’ offense built momentum midway through the half, with sophomore Steph Barnes and Baguidy knocking down threes and first-year Daylen Dalcour scoring off a pass from Barnes to remain in front, 24-23.

Senio Jamari Williams gave Rivier the spark it needed to pull away, scoring from beyond the arc and cashing in on a jumper to build a 33-27 advantage.

Sophomore Matt Youngquist gave the Raiders their largest lead of the contest knocking down a triple with three seconds remaining to carry a 43-33 lead into the break.

Mitchell chipped away at Rivier’s lead coming out of the half, bringing the game within just one point once again 4:58 into the frame.

The Raiders remained ahead through the midway point of the second half, but the Mariners capitalized on interior scoring and free throws to stay within four, 64-60.

Once more, Mitchell’s interior play and free throw shooting brought them back into the contest, with the Mariners finding themselves down one with 19 seconds to play.

A last-second foul put Mitchell on the line and secured the 74-73 victory.

BOX SCORE BREAKDOWN

Baguidy paved the way offensively, finishing with 20 points, four assists and two rebounds…Shaw-Glen finished close behind with a 16-point performance, adding eight rebounds, and a block…Youngquist and Dalcour racked up 17 boards, with Youngquist recording a team-high nine rebounds.

UP NEXT

The Raiders return to play Jan. for a non-conference matchup with Anna Maria and Youth Sports Day. Tip-off is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. at the Muldoon Center.

WOMEN’S HOCKEY

BRUNO GOALIE OF THE WEEK

Rivier women’s ice hockey junior goaltender Taylor Bruno has been named Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference (MASCAC) Goalie of the Week for the second consecutive week, following a standout 46-save performance during the Raiders’ 1-1 stretch, the conference announced Monday afternoon.

In game one of Rivier’s back-to-back against non-conference opponent SUNY Potsdam, Bruno stopped 18 shots, posting a .900 save percentage. The Methuen, Mass., native earned the start in game two and delivered another strong outing with 28 saves, a 1.88 goals-against average, and a .933 save percentage.

Bruno and the Raiders return to action on Jan. 2, hitting the road for a matchup with King’s College. Puck drop is scheduled for 7 p.m. at the Revolution Ice Centre.