Men’s Basketball Tips off New Year Tuesday against Nichols

SUFFOLK vs. NICHOLS
Date Time Venue Video Stats Series Last Meeting   Last Suffolk Win Streak	Tuesday, Jan. 4 7:30 PM Smith Court Boston, Mass. Suffolk Stretch GoSuffolkRams.com 35-13 Feb. 27, 2021, W, 97-84 Same W2

BOSTON – Off to the best start in 46 years, the Suffolk men's basketball team looks to keep the ball rolling Tuesday, Jan. 4 as it begins its second semester schedule with a Commonwealth Coast Conference (CCC) clash against Nichols. Game time between the Rams and Bison is set for 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
For the fifth straight game, four Rams scored in double-digits as the Suffolk men's basketball team bested UMass Boston, 80-62, Thursday night at the Clark Athletic Center Gymnasium for the blue-and-gold's seventh win in a row.   

MORE READING: Men's Basketball Takes Care of Business at UMass Boston, 80-62

RAMS RUNDOWN
Suffolk captured its seventh straight win, an 80-62 decision at UMass Boston, Dec. 9, to wrap up first semester play 8-1 on the year. In CCC contests, the Rams have yet to be taken down as they bested University of New England (85-74), Western New England (100-62) and Roger Williams (87-74). The scoring differential in the conference clashes sits at 20.7 ppg. 

The blue-and-gold's 87.3 ppg offensive output is the best in the CCC 3.1 points higher than Nichols in second. The offensive output is well balanced with four players in double digits and one on the verge. Nate Hale's 18.4 ppg leads the way with Aidan Sullivan (12.7 ppg), John Gates (12.2 ppg) and William Rowe (10.4 ppg) consistent contributors. 

Defensively, Rowe registers 6.6 rpg to anchor Suffolk's 39.4 rpg effort. Keenan Robertson adds 6.4 rpg and Sullivan supplies 4.2 rpg.

BISON BREAKDOWN
Nichols started the year with eight wins in a row before falling at Wentworth, 95-79, Dec. 7. The Bison bounced back in their first semester finale with a 90-85 victory at Tufts to bring in a 9-1 overall record and 2-1 league ledger into Tuesday's tilt. 

Five different players provide double figures in scoring. Jakigh Dottin's 18.5 paces the pack with Jakewon Spencer's 15.9 ppg right on his heels. Tahmeen Dupree (13.1), Matt Alectus (11.7) and Jason O'Regan (10.0) are threats to the offensive output as well.

Spencer and Matt Morrow each grab 7.7 rpg to lead Nichols' 44.0 rpg effort. O'Regan pulls down 7.6 rpg and Alectus chips in 7.1 rpg.

INSIDE THE SERIES

• Suffolk swept Nichols in the home-and-home series a year ago to add to its series lead, 35-13.
• In Boston, Suffolk boasts a 21-7 record against the Bison.
• The blue-and-gold outscored Nichols by 17.0 ppg in the two-game series a year ago including a 117-96 triumph in the series closer.
• Suffolk and Nichols have needed extra time to decide a winner twice. The Rams won both contests, one in Dudley, 104-96 (Dec. 9, 1966) and one in Boston, 67-64 (Dec. 11, 1964).
• The Rams are unbeaten against the Bison under Jeff Juron's guidance.

EYES ON THE GAME

WINNING WAYS

• Suffolk has won seven in a row to start the year 8-1, its best since beginning the 1976-77 season 9-1.
• The 9-1 start is the best in program history and the blue-and-gold aim to tie that mark Tuesday night.
• The seven consecutive victories tie the longest win streak since Jan. 30-Feb. 14, 2019.

WHAT'S AHEAD?
Suffolk makes a pit stop by Gordon Thursday, Jan. 6 for a 7:30 p.m. tangle.