SPRNGFIELD, Massachusetts – The American International College men's basketball team dropped a 69-59 decision against Southern New Hampshire University on Wednesday, January 4 in Northeast-10 Conference play. 

AIC drops to 4-11 with the loss, including a 2-5 NE10 record.

Justice Ellison had a strong start, scoring each of his team's first three baskets as the teams went back-and forth through the first 7:20 before a Matt Becht triple pushed the Penmen up 19-15.

From there, the Penmen rallied, running the lead to 35-22 with 2:11 left in the half. A Jalen Jordan layup with 1:37 left was the last basket of the half, leaving AIC trailing by 11 at the break.

AIC came out firing in the second half. Jack Hall knocked down a triple that Aguibou Balde set up, and then Balde finished a lay-in from Omarion Jett-Dobbs. Hall added another three, and then Jett-Dobbs banged in two more shots, putting AIC up 36-35 just 3:08 into the half.

The teams traded baskets on the next possessions, but Noah Kamba knocked down a pair of threes to expand the Penmen lead to five with 13:14 to play. The lead grew from there, up to 62-45 at its largest, and though the Yellow Jackets tried to rally, the Penmen held on for the win.

Ellison led all players with 16 points and 12 rebounds. Jordan notched 14, and Hall chipped in 10. Jett-Dobbs notched eight points and five assists.

AIC returns to action Saturday, January 7 against Bentley University at 3:30 p.m.