NEWPORT, R.I. (Wednesday, December 31, 2025) - Sophomore Ryan Higgins (Boston, Mass.) hit a rainbow-arc 3-pointer with four-tenths of a second remaining to lift visiting Roger Williams University over Salve Regina University, 87-84, in non-league men's basketball action at the Rodgers Recreation Center on the afternoon of New Year's Eve.

Salve Regina (7-2, 1-0 NEWMAC), which had led by as many as 16 points early in the second half (65-49) after a Jack Margoupis (Sutton, Mass.) layup with an assist from Domenic Malvey (Newton, N.H.) at 15:07, falls for the first time at home and also for the first time to a Division III opponent this season. Meanwhile, Roger Williams (7-5, 3-0 CNE) snaps a four-game losing skid on the Seahawk home court.

The visitors enjoyed a 15-0 run and pulled ahead by seven (84-77) following a pair of free throws by Philip Sughrue (Winchester, Mass.) with 1:56 remaining. Malvey created a turnover that led to a Margoupis 3-pointer on the fast break. Pat Spenard (Rochester, Mass.) swished a pair of free throws and then Malvey had another steal on an inbounds play in front of his bench that led to a game-tying driving layup by Sean Seymour (Albany, N.Y.) with 18 seconds remaining. Ryan Higgins' game-winning shot came in the last second. before Hammarlund stole the length of the floor inbounds pass from the Seahawks.

Margoupis led all players with 32 points on 13-of-20 from the floor including six 3-pointers. Ryan Hammarlund (Southington, Conn.) led the visitors with 27 points on 9-of-13 field goals (four from long range) and five of eight free throws. Malvey, Margoupis, and Spenard each grabbed six rebounds for the Seahawks. Hawks' senior guard Sughrue led all players with nine boards.

INSIDE THE MATCHUP
Final: Roger Williams 87, Salve Regina 84
Records: Salve Regina (7-2, 1-0 NEWMAC), Roger Williams (7-5, 3-0 CNE)
History: The longest-running rivalry for Salve Regina now has the Seahawks leading the all-time series, 43-38.

SUMMARY

• 1ST HALF | The first half opened with missed opportunities by both teams before Salve Regina caught fire early, as Jack Margoupis hit multiple 3-pointers and Pat Spenard added paint scoring to build an early lead. Salve Regina extended its advantage as Malvey and Spenard continued attacking the basket, forcing Roger Williams to respond. Roger Williams began chipping away with 3-point shooting from Hammarlund and Sughrue, trading baskets with the home team. Both squads battled with physical play and multiple fouls as the lead fluctuated, but Salve Regina maintained control for much of the period thanks to consistent scoring from its starters. By halftime, Salve Regina held a 46–37 advantage, buoyed by early offensive rhythm and improved efficiency. Roger Williams struggled with turnovers and could not fully erase the deficit, despite some late makes from beyond the arc. The first half was marked by momentum swings, with Salve Regina's outside shooting giving them the early edge. | SEAHAWKS 46, HAWKS 37
• 2ND HALF | In the second half, Roger Williams came out sharper offensively, gradually erasing the deficit with balanced scoring and better shooting percentages. Hammarlund continued to lead the comeback with efficient scoring, especially from 3-point range, while Sughrue and Higgins chipped in timely buckets. Salve Regina's offense cooled off somewhat after halftime, and Roger Williams capitalized by increasing defensive pressure and forcing a few key turnovers. As the period progressed, Roger Williams took the lead and began to pull away, showcasing improved ball movement and shot selection. The game tightened down the stretch, but key baskets from the visitors helped maintain their advantage. Despite strong individual performances from Salve Regina's Margoupis and Seymour, Roger Williams held on with consistent scoring and defensive stops. Ultimately, Roger Williams secured an 87–84 victory, overcoming the halftime deficit with a strong second half. | HAWKS 50, SEAHAWKS 38

NOTEWORTHY

• Five Hawks reached double-figure scoring totals -- Hammarlund (27), Sughrue (14), Ty Higgins (13), Ryan Higgins (12), Adam Flauto (11).
• Jack Margoupis led all players with 32 points while Sean Seymour added 21 points and Pat Spenard sank 17 for the Seahawks.
• Salve Regina falls to 0-4 on New Year's Eve all-time (2011, 2017, 2019, and 2025).

ON THE HORIZON
Salve Regina plays at Westfield State University on Saturday, January 3, at noon on FloCollege.