Springfield, Mass. - February 13, 2016 - The Springfield College men's basketball team's second-half rally fell short as it was defeated by Emerson College, 66-59, on Saturday afternoon in New England Women's and Men's Athletic Conference (NEWMAC) action in Blake Arena.

The loss sets Springfield's record back to 9-14, 5-7 in league play, while Emerson improves to 10-13, 5-7.

Josh Altman (Rockport, Mass.) became the 30th player in program history to reach the 1,000 career point plateau as he netted 15 second-half points in the loss.  Josh Downes (East Sandwich, Mass.) added 15 points and seven rebounds, while Brandon Eckles (East Greenwich, R.I.) finished with a double-double of 11 points and 10 boards.  Springfield just 20-for-54 (37%) for the game, much in part to a 13-for-27 (48%) showing in the second half.  

For Emerson, Austin Pinckney (Miami, Fla.) led the way with 15 points, seven boards, and three steals, while Tyson Hallowell (Lincoln, Mass.) record 14 points, 12 of which came in the first half.  Michael Thorpe (Newton, Mass.) added 10 points.

After the Pride pulled within 8-7 on a Larry Piretra (Oakland, N.J.) three pointer at the 13:20 mark, Emerson put together a 16-3 run over the next four-plus minutes to take a commanding 26-10 lead.  Hallowell was dynamic in the burst, netting seven points for the visitors.  Emerson would go on to lead by as many as 18, as a free throw by Brian Hurley (South Boston, Mass.) with 3:56 made it a 31-13 contest.  However, five points from Quinn McKenna (Litchfield, Conn.) down the strech made cut Emerson's lead to 31-18 heading into the half.  Springfield struggled from the field, hitting just 7-of-27 shoots and committing seven turnovers.

Springfield came out much more aggressive on the offensive side of the ball to start the second half, putting together a 16-7 surge to climb within 38-34 following a Downes tip in with 13:38 on the clock.   Emerson would push its lead back to seven, 45-38, after Pickney knocked down three from the charity stripe at the 11:40 mark, only to have Downes drill a trifecta to cap off a 7-0 run to knot the game at 45 with 9:33 left in regulation.  The Lions answered back with an 8-2 push, highlighted by a deep triple from Pickney to go up for good.  Springfield would get as close as four over the next two minutes, but the Lions held on for the important league win.

The Pride will play its final away game of the regular season on Wednesday when it travels to face Clark at 7:00 pm. The Lions return to action on the 17th for their final home game against MIT, 7:00pm tip off.