QUINCY, Mass. - The Eastern Nazarene College men's basketball team opened up overtime with 7-3 run and held on for the 95-88 The Commonwealth Coast Conference victory over Salve Regina Wednesday night.

Salve Regina controlled most of the opening period as they stretched their lead to 13 points with 5:36 remaining following a Jeff Bielefeld layup. Eastern Nazarene took a timeout and proceeded to put together a 9-0 run over the next two minutes to cut the lead to just four with 3:19 remaining.

After trading buckets, ENC's John Cramer hit a 3-pointer and a layup over the final minutes to knot things up at 41 apiece. On the ensuing possession, Salve Regina's Patrick Dinneen (Medfield, Mass.) gathered an offensive rebound off a missed jumper by Windell Hinkson (Groton, Conn.) and netted the putback to send the Seahawks into the locker room at halftime with a 43-41 advantage.

The two teams traded blows throughout the second half but Salve Regina was able to build a six-point lead with just 1:31 remaining following a pair of Ryan Birrell (Hope, R.I.) free throws. Just seconds later, Eastern Nazarene's Max Barbosa hit a three pointer to bring the Lions within three. After Scott St. Lawrence Litchfield, N.H.) hit one of two from the line for Salve Regina, John Flakes sunk a pair of free throws to draw the Lions to within two.

With fifteen seconds to play, Salve Regina inbounded the ball the from underneath ENC's basket but a crosscourt pass sailed out of bounce and the Lions gained possession. ENC's Barbosa was fouled on the inbounds pass and went to the line with a chance to tie. Barbosa hit both free throws in a silent gymnasium and sent the Lions' fans into a frenzy and the TCCC showdown into overtime.

After opening up overtime on a 7-3 run, the Lions were put on the ropes once again as Birrell hit a three to bring the Seahawks to within just three. Salve Regina was forced to foul which sent Barbosa to the line again, where he hit both free throws to give the Lions a five point advantage. Eastern Nazarene's Aaron Johnson hit two more free throws with three ticks left on the clock to seal the seven-point win for the Lions.

Salve Regina was led by Birrell who finished with 26 points, 8 rebounds and 6 assists. Hinkson tallied 23 points and St. Lawrence scored 13 and pulled down 8 rebounds.

Eastern Nazarene received an outstanding performance from Aaron Johnson who scored 18 points, pulled in seven rebounds, made eight assists and four steals. Barbosa finished with 20 points while C.J. Gonzales scored 14 points and grabbed five rebounds and made four assists.

Three time rookie of the week Flakes scored a game high 27 points and pulled in eight rebounds for the Lions.

Both teams will play their final regular season home games this Saturday as Eastern Nazarene will travel to Roger Williams while Salve Regina will host Gordon. Both games are slated to begin at 3p.m.

Courtesy of Eastern Nazarene sports information