Norwich senior G Jaren Jeffcoat had a team-high 20 points for Norwich in the 82-79 loss to Lasell. Norwich athletics photo

NORTHFIELD, Vt. – The Norwich University men's basketball team was edged by Lasell College, 82-79, Saturday afternoon at Andrews Hall in its opening Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) contest of the season. The Cadets had a chance to send the game to overtime at the buzzer, but freshman G Tom McDonald's three-point attempt would not go down. 

Senior G Jaren Jeffcoat led Norwich (3-4, 0-1 GNAC) with 20 points and 10 boards in recording a double-double. Jeffcoat went 9-of-12 from the floor, including going 2-of-3 from beyond the arc.

Sophomore G Josh Cabrera added 16 points for the NU while junior F Antonio Davis pitched in 13 points and nine rebounds.

Javon Williams led Lasell (2-7, 1-2 GNAC) with 24 total points and eight boards, while also making five steals. Sean Bertanza finished the game with 19 points for LC, while Demetrious Lambright added 16 points.

Freshman C Pim Smulders added 10 points for the Cadets, all in the second half.