NEWPORT, R.I. -- Salve Regina University men's basketball sweeps the regular-season series from the Lions of Emerson College with a 77-74 victory tonight in New England Women's and Men's Athletic Conference (NEWMAC) action at the Rodgers Recreation Center in Newport, Rhode Island.
The Seahawks (13-5, 6-3 NEWMAC) snap a two-game skid with game-high 18 points from two players --
Sean Seymour (Albany, N.Y.) and
Pat Spenard (Rochester, N.Y.).
Rowan Linder (Boca Raton, Fla.) came off the bench in both halves to spark Salve Regina with his season-best 16 points on 6-of-8 from the floor including a swish on his only attempt from behind the arc.
Jack McMullen (East Greenwich, R.I.) had half of the team's six 3-pointers (3-for-5) and finished with 13 points along with a game-high eight rebounds.
Guillermo Gasset Ruiz (Malaga, Spain) and
Linus Helmhold (Krefeld, Germany) paced the Lions (7-12, 3-7 NEWMAC) with 16 and 15 points, respectively. Emerson has dropped nine of its last 10 games including twice to Salve Regina.
INSIDE THE MATCHUP
Final: Salve Regina 77, Emerson 74
Records: Salve Regina (13-5, 6-3 NEWMAC), Emerson (7-12, 3-7 NEWMAC)
History: These programs meet for the 19th time in men's basketball and sixth time as fellow NEWMAC members. Salve Regina is 16-3 overall against Emerson.
SUMMARY
1st Half: Seesaw Battle with Salve Edging Ahead
- 1H | Salve Regina opened the game aggressively, setting the tone early with a balanced attack that quickly put pressure on Emerson. The Seahawks rotated scoring through multiple weapons — Sean Seymour and Pat Spenard were particularly effective, combining for a strong presence in the paint and on the perimeter. Emerson stayed within striking distance thanks to timely shooting from Guillermo Gasset Ruiz and Linus Helmhold, with both finding success from beyond the arc. By halftime, Salve Regina held a narrow lead, 40–36, buoyed by efficient shooting and key contributions from role players. The first half was defined by frequent lead changes and competitive runs by both sides, with neither team willing to relent. Emerson's balanced scoring kept them close, while Salve's ability to find points in transition and convert inside helped them close the half ahead. | SEAHAWKS 40, LIONS 36
2nd Half: Emerson Rally and a Gritty Finish
- 2H | The second half continued the tight rhythm established in the first, with Emerson consistently cutting into Salve's advantage. The Lions relied heavily on Gasset Ruiz and Helmhold again, combining perimeter shooting with second-chance effort to stay in striking range. Emerson outscored Salve 38–37 in the second period, showcasing resilience and forcing a tense finish. Salve Regina weathered multiple runs by Emerson, with key free throws and timely baskets from their leaders — Seymour, Spenard, and Jack McMullen — preserving their slim margin. Emerson had opportunities late, but Salve's defensive stands and clutch execution down the stretch allowed the Seahawks to escape with a 77–74 victory. | SEAHAWKS 37, LIONS 38
NOTEWORTHY
- Emerson shot a solid 48.1% from the field, including 42.3% from three-point range — an impressive display from deep.
- Balanced scoring for Salve Regina: Four players in double figures — Sean Seymour (18), Pat Spenard (18), Rowan Linder (16), Jack McMullen (13).
- Salve's bench depth and ability to convert late free throws proved decisive.
- Salve Regina has won three times when the Seahawks have lost the rebound battle -- twice against Emerson.
QUOTABLE SEAHAWKS
"Our guys have been very good in close games all season and it is the direct result of the great character and grit our upperclassmen possess. Our staff was pleased to see our group not panic when they got down a few possessions. They produced with stops and high-percentage shots, executing when it mattered most. Our bench provided a great boost, and we had many contributors to tonight's win." -- Seahawk head coach Sean Foster '97
ON THE HORIZON
Salve Regina continues its conference slate with a 3 p.m. tip-off against MIT at home on Saturday on
FloCollege.
