Emerson’s men’s basketball team earned their first conference win Wednesday night, putting up a score of 72-59 to defeat Clark University on their home court. 

Prior to winter break, the Lions were 7-2 and only faced non-conference opponents. The team returned to the court for its first NEWMAC game away at Babson College on Jan. 5 and lost a close 80-73. Senior center Jarred Houston had a triple-double with 24 points, 19 rebounds, and 10 blocks in the loss.

Not only did Clark University win its last match on Jan. 5 against Massachusetts Institute of Technology—their first NEWMAC match-up—but the Cougars were 12-0 on the season. Both teams were scheduled to play a game against different teams last Saturday, but each game was postponed and rescheduled due to COVID protocols.

Clark was the first to strike at tip-off but only managed a slim seven-point lead. Emerson would be behind in the first half until senior point guard Chad DiCenzo sank a three-pointer to put the Lions up 14-13 with under nine minutes left before halftime.

Emerson extended its lead to 38-22 by the end of the first half, in part thanks to two consecutive three-pointers by guards James Beckwith and Zach Waterhouse scored within a minute of each other. Senior guard Nate Martin led the team with 10 points in the first half, while Waterhouse and Beckwith followed with eight and seven respectively. Senior center Jarred Houston held down on the defensive side of the ball, securing eight defensive rebounds and three blocks.

While Cougars scored the first points of the second half, the Lions managed a resounding answer; with Martin sinking a jump shot to bring Emerson to a 20 point lead, with just under 15 minutes in the half. 

Still trying to find success from the three-point line, Clark managed to close the gap to within 11 of the Lions, though this would be the closest the Cougars would get to reclaim the lead. Pulling further ahead, Emerson handed Clark its first loss of the 2021-22 season. 

Martin finished the game with 21 points and Houston added onto his double-double total on the season with his ninth of the year. The men’s basketball team’s next match-up is against Worcester Polytechnic Institute this Saturday in the Bobbi Brown and Steven Plofker Gym.