THE BASICS:

- Score: American International 77, Assumption 68

- Records: Assumption (5-8, 1-7 NE-10) American International (6-7, 2-5 NE-10)

- Location: Worcester, Mass. (Laska Gym)

- The Lead: On Wednesday night at the Laska Gym, the Assumption College men's basketball team dropped a 77-68 final to visiting American International College in Northeast-10 Conference action.

HOW IT HAPPENED:

- The Hounds jumped ahead to an early 10-6 lead that was capped by a three from sophomore Kamali Bey (Springfield, Mass./Wilbraham & Monson) before a quick 11-6 AIC run pushed the score to 17-12 in favor of the Jackets. Assumption battled back and with 7:08 on the clock, a three-point play by freshman Justin Tuckson (Stafford, Va./Christ Chapel Academy) gave the Hounds a 26-25 advantage.

- The Yellow Jackets put together a 17-5 run, capped by two free throws from Bruce Spruell, for their largest lead of the half at 42-31 with 55.3 left. Tuckson added a free throw with 3.5 seconds left as the game went to the half at 42-32 in favor of AIC. Cameron Dobbs led AIC with 12 first-half points, while Bey and senior Tre Owens (Rota, Spain/Rota) each had eight for Assumption.

- AIC led by as many as 17 with 14:44 left and continued to lead by 10 with 6:40 remaining after a basket from Bey. A three-point play from Bey, followed by another layup just moments later though, cut the AIC lead down to just five as the Hounds rallied. Six quick Yellow Jacket points extended the advantage back to double digits at 71-60, en route to the eventual nine-point final margin.

INSIDE THE NUMBERS:

- Bey led three Hounds in double figures with 19 points and a game-high four steals, while junior Declan Soukup (Melbourne, Australia/Hallam Senior College) added 14 and Owens finished with 13. As a team, the Hounds outscored the Jackets 21-12 from the free throw line and forced 15 AIC turnovers.

- Dobbs posted a game-high 22 points for AIC, while Spruell and Juwan Moody picked up 12 each and Trahmier Burrell added 11 points. The Yellow Jackets held a 44-31 rebounding edge, including 35-24 on the defensive boards.

UP NEXT:

- Assumption is back in action at home on Saturday, January 9th as the Hounds host Le Moyne College for a 3 p.m. start at Laska Gym.

STAY CONNECTED:

For the latest on Assumption College Athletics, follow the Hounds via social media on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube. For more information, contact the Office of Athletic Communications at 508-767-7240.

- Fans can also sign up for email updates and text message alerts for the women's basketball team and all of the other 23 Assumption varsity sports by clicking here.