Henniker, NH- Castleton snapped a five-game losing streak and put together 40 minutes of solid basketball to hold off New England College in their final game of the first semester 81-78.

The Spartans were led by double-double machine, Jeremy Jorgensen who dropped a team-high 20 points and hauled in 10 rebounds. Joining Jorgensen in double figures was Kevin Cayea and Alden Gregory with 13 points each. Cayea has been filling in for injured point guard Rich Reilly, and has done so very well.

The Pilgrims were led by Tyler Evans who had a career-high 21 points and three steals. NEC also got contributions from Ryan Jaziri with 18 points and Patrick Quinn who dropped in 17 points. Antoine Sylvia also had a strong double-double performance with 12 points and 17 rebounds.

The Spartans took a commanding lead in the first half, but NEC would get within three to go into the break trailing 37-40. The rollercoaster ride continued into the second half, as both teams made clutch shots to keep it close. The game tied with just two minutes remaining, and NEC
could not capitalize on two free-throws to get back into the race. The Spartans shot 56% from the free-throw line in the second half, and that made all the difference as CSC pulled away with the 81-78 victory.

With the win Castleton ends the first semester at 2-6, while the Pilgrims fall to 4-4. The Spartans return to action on January 8 when they travel to Lyndon State College for a 7:00 non-conference tip-off.