Men’s Basketball Begins CCC Era Wednesday at UNE

SUFFOLK vs. UNIVERSITY OF NEW ENGLAND
Date Time Venue Video Stats Series Last Meeting   Last Suffolk Win Streak	Wednesday, Dec. 1 7:30 PM Harold Alfond Forum Biddeford, Maine Athletics.UNE Athletics.UNE Tied, 10-0 Jan. 2, 2009, L, 92-76 Feb. 13, 1999, 86-62 L2

BOSTON – The Suffolk men's basketball team will put its three-game win streak to the test in its first Commonwealth Coast Conference (CCC) opponent in program history, as the blue-and-gold head to Biddeford, Maine on Wednesday, Dec. 1 to take on the University of New England at 7:30 p.m.

SOCIAL SAYINGS
Ram Nation has a chance to keep up with all the latest news and notes on Suffolk Athletics, its student-athletes and teams by following the Rams on  Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. Fans are encouraged to use the hashtag #RamNation a behind-the-scene look at Suffolk Athletics.

SUFFOLK ATHLETICS 2021-22 FAN POLICY
Suffolk University Athletics, following guidance from the University's health and safety protocols, Commonwealth Coast Conference (CCC), Centers for Disease Control and the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, plans to allow fans to attend home athletic contests during the 2021-22 academic and athletic year.

Fans, whether vaccinated or unvaccinated, can attend games. They must be masked the entire time they are on campus, pursuant to institutional policy, and complete a health screening form at the security desk of each building upon arrival. This policy applies to home contests played on campus at the Ridgeway Building's Larry E. and Michael S. Smith Court, as well as the Emmons Horrigan O'Neil Memorial Rink and the Louis E. Porrazzo Memorial Skating Rink.

For outdoor outings, specifically at East Boston Memorial Park, fans are asked to respect COVID safety protocols. At this time, masks will not be mandated for fans no matter vaccinated status at outdoor venues.

MORE READING: Suffolk Athletics Announces Fan Policy for 2021-22

LAST TIME OUT
Behind a 32-point performance from Nate Hale, the Rams defeated cross-Boston Commons foe Emerson in a 103-91 showdown on Tuesday, Nov. 23 at Larry E. and Michael S. Smith Court. 

MORE READING: Men's Basketball Handles Framingham State, 83-55

RAMS RUNDOWN
Suffolk started the season off 4-1 for the second straight season with an impressive showing in its early non-conference matchups. Victories for the blue-and-gold have come against NEWMAC, NESCAC, and MASCAC opponents leading into CCC play. 

The Rams offensive output of 86.8 points per game has been bolstered by a strong shooting performance with the team converted 46 percent from the field and 41.1 percent from 3-point land through the opening five games. 

Leading the way offensively is graduate student Nate Hale, who averages 21.0 ppg, followed by John Gates (13.0 ppg), Aidan Sullivan (11.0 ppg), and William Rowe (10.6 ppg), who all average double-digit in scoring. 

Defensively, Keenan Robertson paces Suffolk's 39.6 rpg effort with 6.4 caroms per outing of his own. Rowe contributes 5.6 rpg to the effort as well.

NOR'EASTER NOTES
The University of New England has had a tough start to the 2021-22 campaign with just one win in its first eight games. The lone win came in 80-74 fashion over Suffolk's old GNAC foe Saint Joseph's Maine. Conference wise, the Nor'Easters sit 0-1 in the CCC after falling at Endicott, 72-67, in its league debut Nov. 20. 

As a team, UNE is shooting just 24.6 percent from the floor and just over 27 percent on 3-point tries. Alex Kravchuck averages 16.6 ppg for the Nor'Easters on 40 percent connection rate from the field, while tacking on 4.6 rpg and 2.0 spg.

INSIDE THE SERIES

• The Suffolk, UNE series dates back to 1980 and is tied, 10-10.
• The Rams and Nor'Easters will meet for the first time since Jan. 2, 2009 when Suffolk fell 92-76 in Biddeford, Maine.
• Suffolk has fallen in back-to-back battles against UNE and looks for its first win in the series since an 86-82 decision Feb. 13, 1999.
• The blue-and-gold and Nor'Easters have meet in Vacation Land 10 times (5-5).

EYES ON THE GAME

WHAT'S AHEAD?
The Rams head back home for a Saturday, Dec. 4 contest with CCC opponent Western New England. Tip-off is set for 3 p.m. at Smith Court.