Babson Park, FL – The Webber International Men's Basketball team built a big cushion early, but New College of Florida stormed back with a decisive second-half push to hand the Warriors a 77-71 Sun Conference setback Saturday afternoon.
Webber came out sharp on both ends, opening the game with a Thomas Morgan dunk and riding a steady inside presence and perimeter shooting to a 49-38 lead at the break. The Warriors kept their foot on the gas early in the second half, stretching the margin to as many as 17, highlighted by a Johnny Torrence Jr. finish that made it 59-42 with 14:57 left.
From there, the momentum flipped. New College began chipping away with timely three-pointers and finishes at the rim, turning a double-digit deficit into a one-possession game down the stretch. Shawn Lefresne hit a three to tie it at 65-65 with 3:37 remaining, and after Morgan briefly put Webber back in front, Ben Walker buried a go-ahead triple at the 2:40 mark to give the visitors their first lead of the second half, 68-67.
New College followed with another Lefresne three and key free throws in the final minute to keep Webber at arm's length. The Warriors stayed within striking distance at the line, but couldn't get the equalizer to fall before time expired.
Morgan led Webber with 22 points, 11 rebounds, and four blocks, while Nirobi Peeler Jr. added 15 points on five made threes. Landon Tillman (seven points) dished out eight assists, as the Warriors finished with 19 assists and won the rebounding battle, 41-33, but New College's 12 three-pointers helped fuel the comeback.
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