Henniker, NH - The Castleton State College men's basketball team did not trail for the first 36 minutes of play, but a late New England College run sent the Spartans to a 68-57 loss in non-conference action.

Castleton jumped out to a quick 5-0 lead through the first 34 seconds of play, and led by as many as eight during the first half, before settling in for a 31-24 halftime lead. Freshman, Steve Velazquez scored 16 of his team-high 20 points in the first half, on 6-for-11 shooting including 3-for-5 from beyond the three-point stripe. Castleton shot 42% from the field for the first half and appeared to have the game in control.

In the second half the Pilgrims were able to assert themselves offensively, forcing he action and getting to the free throw line early and often. New England College was 18-for24 from the charity stripe in the second half and 25-for-33 overall. Still, the Spartans clung to a 55-51 lead with just over five minutes remaining, when New England College began a 17-2 run to close out the game. During the run Shane Hennessey took over, scoring eight of his 16 points and grabbing six of his game-high 12 rebounds to key the run.

Jamie Davies led the Pilgrims with a career-high 22 points and six rebounds as New England College improves to 1-2 on the season.

Marcus Hass followed Velazquez in the scoring column with 10 points for the 0-3 Spartans.

Castleton is back in action Tuesday, November 25 at 7:30 pm when the Spartans play host to Plymout State. The game will be part of the re-opening ceremonies of the newly renovated Glenbrook Gymnasium. Admission to the event is free, and will feature tee shirt giveaways and more.