COLCHESTER, Vermont - The American International College men's basketball team fell 67-54 in Northeast 10 Conference play to Saint Michael's College on Wednesday, February 18.

AIC is now 5-21 overall and 4-12 in the NE10.

The hosts looked to take control from the outset with an 8-0 run to open the game, but AIC countered with nine straight, as Coleman Hopson landed a dunk, layup, and three to flip the deficit to a 9-8 lead just shy of the five-minute mark.

The Purple Knights recovered, scoring the next five to take the lead back, but, other than a free throw by Aguibou Balde, the scoring evaporated as the teams went 5:11 between field goals before the home squad scored again at the 11:00 mark. AIC then scored threes on consecutive possessions from Pierce Prendergast and Blair Thomas to tie the game at 16.

Down the stretch, the Purple Knights were able to regain the lead again, and scored the last bucket of the half to go to the locker room up 27-20.

AIC came out strong early, shrinking the gap to three after Tony Felder hit from range, and Chase Nelson, Aguibou Balde, and Felder each scored to keep the game within one possession after makes by Saint Michael's, but eventually the home team was able to extend its lead, reaching double digits with 7:39 to play.

Saint Michael's did its job from there, keeping AIC at bay and ultimately winning the 67-54 decision.

Hopson and Balde each scored 11 points, while Nelson and Felder had 10 apiece; Felder earned his second career double-double and first with points and rebounds as he secured 11 boards. 

AIC next returns home for Senior Day on Saturday, February 21 at 3:30 p.m. against Saint Anselm College.