Men’s Basketball Travels to WNE in CNE Title Rematch Saturday

Men’s Basketball Travels to WNE in CNE Title Rematch Saturday
SUFFOLK vs. WESTERN NEW ENGLAND
Date
Time
Venue

Video
Stats
Notes
Series
Last Meeting
Last Suffolk Win
Streak
Saturday, Jan. 31
3:00 PM
Alumni Healthful Living Center
Springfield, Mass.
CNE Network
WNEGoldenBears.com
GoSuffolkRams.com
12-20
March 1, 2025, L, 75-74
Feb. 11, 2025, W, 65-64
Lost 1

BOSTON – Suffolk men's basketball remains on the road for a Conference of New England (CNE) matchup against Western New England on Saturday, Jan. 31, in a rematch of last season's CNE Championship. The battle is set for a 3:00 p.m. start. 

SOCIALIZE
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 FacebookInstagram and XFans are encouraged to use the hashtag #RamNation a behind-the-scene look at Suffolk Athletics.

LAST TIME OUT
In a game that featured 22 lead changes and 15 ties, Suffolk men's basketball came out on the wrong side of a 69-65 overtime decision to Johnson & Wales Wednesday night in Conference of New England Play at the Wildcat Center. 

MORE READING: Men's Basketball Falls in Overtime to Johnson & Wales, 69-65

RAMS RUNDOWN

  • Suffolk enters Saturday at 11-8 overall and 7-3 in CNE play, sitting third in the conference standings.
  • The Rams rely heavily on their defensive unit as they sit ninth in Division III in points allowed per game (62.9).
  • Behind that effort is Greg Keane, who ranks sixth nationally in blocks per game (3.1), while contributing 8.0 ppg on a 59.8 shooting percentage. 
  • Nick Verdile is the engine for the Rams offense as he averages 13.9 ppg on a 37 shooting clip from the perimeter.
  • James Jones adds 10.6 ppg and a team-leading 7.7 rpg.
  • Harrison Neil contributes 10.9 ppg, 5.4 rpg, and 2.2 apg and stretches opposing frontcourts, shooting 34.3 percent from beyond-the-arc.

GOLDEN BEARS GLANCE

  • Western New England enters the matchup at 13-5 overall and 7-2 in CNE play to sit above Suffolk in the conference standings.
  • Luka Vlajkovic averages a double-double a night (14.1 ppg, 10.3 rpg), and adds 3.8 apg.
  • Cody Palazzesi (11.3 ppg) and Matt Houde (10.9 ppg) provide solid secondary scoring options for the Golden Bears.
  • Avery Mickens is WNE's top three-point threat, connecting on 36.4 percent from the three-point line to contribute 8.8 ppg.
  • Eddie McCoy adds defensive pressure in the backcourt with 1.6 spg, along with 8.1 ppg and 5.3 rpg.

INSIDE THE SERIES

  • Suffolk and WNE will meet for the 33rd time in program history.
  • The Rams trail the all-time series 12-20.
  • The last meeting came on March 1, 2025, in the CNE Championship, where WNE edged Suffolk 75-74.
  • The blue-and-gold's last win over Western New England came via a 65-64 decision Feb. 11, 2025.  
  • Suffolk is 6-9 all-time at home against the Golden Bears.
  • In Springfield, the Rams are 6-11 versus WNE.
  • Under head coach Jeff JuronSuffolk is 5-6 against WNE.
  • The two programs have needed overtime three times, with Suffolk holding a 1-2 record in OT games.

MORE INFO: Suffolk vs. Western New England – All Time Series

STATS SHOWDOWN

SUFFOLK'S SCHEDULE
Suffolk returns home for a midweek CNE matchup Tuesday, Feb. 3 when Hartford stops by Smith Court at 7:30 p.m.