BWestfield State nips Western New England College in overtime at Pioneer Valley Classic

WESTFIELD, Mass. - Host Westfield State posted a 61-58 overtime victory over Western New England College in the second game of the eighth annual Pioneer Valley Men's Hoop Classic Friday evening (Dec. 5).

Derek Leab was the only Owls' player in double figures with 13 points coming off the bench. He was among eight reserves who combined for 34 points.

Senior guard Matt Maynard (Paterson, NJ) led the Golden Bears with a game-high 20 points.

Senior forward Kyle Fredette (Wallingford, VT) had a double-double with 12 points and 11 rebounds.

Sophomore forward Brad Thomka (Springfield, MA) came off the bench to add 10 points and seven rebounds in his first appearance of the season.

Westfield State led 33-31 at halftime and the score was tied 50-50 after 40 minutes of action.

Dave Jaehnig contributed nine points and Johnny Dunbar eight for the Owls who improve to 5-1.

Western New England College had a 23-20 edge in field goals, but was 7-of-11 from the foul line compared to Westfield State going 15-of-20.

The Golden Bears are now 1-5.

No. 10 Amherst posted an 84-57 victory over Springfield in the opening game of the tournament.

Pioneer Valley Men’s Hoop Classic
Friday, Dec. 5, 2008

6:00 p.m. - Amherst 84, Springfield 57
8:00 p.m. - Westfield State 61, Western New England College 58 (overtime)

Saturday, Dec. 6, 2008

6:00 p.m. - Western New England College vs. Springfield
8:00 p.m. - Amherst vs. Westfield State