Men’s basketball regular season comes to end; set to compete in NE-10 and national playoffs

Jonathan Burkart, Crier Staff

The men’s basketball team is absolutely dominating their competition this year, flying high to an impressive 17 – 7 record. With two divisional matches remaining, the Hawks are in second place in the Northeast-10 Conference and have secured a playoff spot for the third straight year.

The Hawks are capping off their remarkable season with a 4 – 2 February campaign. They have had convincing victories over divisional rivals Merrimack, Saint Michael’s, and Bentley, averaging a victory margin of 22 points. In their last game, the Hawks crushed Merrimack 105 to 81 at home. The Hawks were led in scoring by senior Roy Mabrey, who matched his career high of 32 points for the third time in a Saint Anselm uniform. Mabrey, who is averaging 17 points per game this season, also picked up four rebounds, a steal, and an assist. Mabrey’s control of the game is a huge component of the Hawks success, as the experienced guard has proven his and the team’s adeptness at handling the ball time and time again.

Another essential part of the Hawks success this year has been senior Chris Santo. The 6’5” forward has been an absolute juggernaut in scoring this year, averaging an incredible, team-high 21 points per game. Santo also averages seven rebounds and two assists per game. He has exceled this year under Coach Dickson’s pass first tutelage. The entire team is averaging 84 points per game while their opponents average only 77 points, a recipe for certain success.

Last season the number one seeded Hawks lost a heartbreaker to the number two team, New Haven, in the semi-finals. This year they look to make it through to the finals and bring home the championship for the first time since their 2005-2006 campaign. If the Hawks keep up the controlling level of play they have exhibited so far this season, it is easy to envision our perennial powerhouse men’s team picking up their eighth NE-10 championship. Be sure to follow every game either in Stoutenburgh Gymnasium or stream their away games online to show your support. Go Hawks!