SPRINGFIELD, Mass. -- Springfield College men's basketball defeated Salve Regina University, 78-65, in New England Men's and Women's Athletic Conference (NEWMAC) action at Blake Arena.

The Seahawks (11-3, 4-1 NEWMAC) fall for the first time in league play this season while the Pride improves to 5-10 overall and 3-3 in NEWMAC action.

INSIDE THE MATCHUP
Final: Springfield 78, Salve Regina 65
Records: Salve Regina (11-3, 4-1 NEWMAC), Springfield (5-10, 3-3 NEWMAC)
History: Springfield evens the all-time series at three wins apiece with all Seahawk victories coming in NEWMAC play.

SUMMARY
First Half: Springfield Takes Early Control, Leads 35-28

• Springfield set the tone right from the opening tip with balanced scoring and disciplined execution. In the first ten minutes of play, the Pride pushed a modest lead as both teams traded baskets early, but Springfield gradually gained momentum behind efficient shooting and physical rebounding. By the midway point of the half, Salve Regina had managed to stay within striking distance, but a timely 3-pointer and interior finish helped Springfield break open a short lead.

Key factors in the first 20 minutes:

• Balanced offense for Springfield: Multiple contributors—including Josiah Evely and Zachary Campbell—generated scoring in different ways, with drives and effective post play keeping Salve Regina's defense off balance.
• Rebounding battle: Springfield maintained a slight edge on the boards, allowing extra possessions that translated into second-chance opportunities.
• Scoring runs: The Pride were able to manufacture a short spurt in the middle of the half that pushed their advantage into the double digits before settling at 35-28 at halftime.
• Salve Regina's offense, led by Jack Margoupis and Pat Spenard, stayed competitive thanks to early outside shooting, but struggled for consistent spacing against Springfield's interior defense.

Second Half: Springfield Extends Lead and Seals the Win 78-65

• Coming out of the break, Springfield built on its first-half success with a more aggressive offensive identity and tightened defensive pressure. The Pride opened the second half by maintaining paint dominance and converting key free throws, forcing Salve Regina to play catch-up.

Notable developments:

• Improved shooting efficiency: Springfield's field goal percentage improved after the break, particularly inside the arc, allowing them to sustain offensive possessions even when three-point looks didn't fall.
• Defensive stops: The Pride forced several turnovers early in the half, converting them into transition points that widened the margin.
• Salve Regina surge and response: Salve Regina fought back behind its leading duo, narrowing the gap at times, but Springfield answered with consistent scoring from both starters and key bench contributors to maintain control.
• By the final minutes, Springfield had built a comfortable lead and held on to win 78-65, marking a strong conference victory with contributions across its roster.

NOTEWORTHY

• Salve Regina dropped below 40 percent field goal shooting for only the second time this season (Nov. 25 at New Haven).
• Jack Margoupis leads the Seahawks in scoring (22 points) for the fourth straight game.
• Pat Spenard grabs a season-high 16 rebounds.

ON THE HORIZON
Salve Regina hosts Coast Guard on Saturday afternoon in NEWMAC action on FloCollege, before facing Wheaton College at home on Tuesday in the penultimate game of the first half of the league's round-robin series.