AMHERST, N.Y.—The Assumption University men's basketball team's season came to a close, as the Greyhounds fell to Saint Anselm College 92-81 in the First Round of the NCAA Division II Tournament at Lumsden Gymnasium, Saturday afternoon. 

THE BASICS:
Score: Saint Anselm College 92, Assumption University 81
Records: Greyhounds (17-13, 11-7 NE10) | Hawks (24-7, 14-4 NE10)

HOW IT HAPPENED: 
In the early portion of the contest, the two teams saw their shots fall, as Saint Anselm led 18-16 at the second media timeout, but Assumption's defense forced six turnovers in the opening eight minutes. The Greyhounds continued to ramp up their pressure on the defensive end, with 11 Hawk turnovers and six steals, while also connecting from long range (5-of-8), as they went in front 40-35 at the under four-minute timeout. Saint Anselm would not go away quietly, as they would trim the deficit down to two points at the intermission, with Daouda Dembele leading the way with 16 points for the Hounds. 

Coming out of the locker room, the Assumption slowly expanded its lead and would see its lead grow to seven points (59-52), following a Tayeshawn Cunningham-Pemberton three-pointer. Saint Anselm responded immediately with an 8-0 run by Jack Medalie and Josh Morissette, giving the Hawks a 60-59 advantage. Following a successful pull-up jumper by Zee McCown, Saint Anselm closed out the game on a 32-20 run, which included going 9-of-11 from the field and converting on 12-of-16 free throws, while Assumption was 4-of-14 from the floor and 10-of-13 from the charity stripe. The Hawks would move on to the second round after a 91-81 final score. 

INSIDE THE NUMBERS:

• Daouda Dembele led the way for Assumption with 20 points, while also pulling down four rebounds. 
• Tayeshawn Cunningham-Pemberton (16), Zee McCown (13), Baril Mawo (12), and Noah Payne (11) all scored 10+ points. 
• Saint Anselm outrebounded Assumption 41-24, while having the slight edge in the points in the paint (36-34). 
• The Greyhounds defense forced 17 turnovers and scored 16 points off those turnovers, while also turning the ball over four times themselves. 
• Saint Anselm still leads the all-time series 75-57  

UP NEXT:

• Saint Anselm vs. Felician, Sunday, March 15, 5:00 pm - NCAA Second Round

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