Men's Basketball Snaps Losing Streak with Home Conference Win Over Regis

CHICOPEE, Mass. - The Elms College Men's Basketball team hosted Regis College in a conference game on Wednesday evening at Picknelly Arena.

BASICS
Score: Elms College 65 | Regis College 55
Records: Blazers 7-8, 1-1 (GNAC) | Pride 9-6, 0-2 (GNAC)

HOW IT HAPPENED

Elms struck first when forward/guard RJ Mayfield (Springfield, Mass.) knocked down a three-pointer just under a minute into the game. Despite some early turnovers, Elms stayed aggressive, generating multiple offensive rebounds that kept possession alive. Senior forward Adam Sarlan (Chicopee, Mass) helped settle the Blazers midways through the half, converting two free throws to trim the deficit to 9-7. Elms took its first lead since the opening minutes when junior guard Arik Dagan (Southbury, Conn.) buried a three-pointer, igniting a strength of efficient shooting beyond the arc. Dagan followed with another triple moment late, and senior center/guard/center Edgardo Jacob Cancel (Northampton, Mass) extended the run with a three of his own to give Elms a 16-11 advantage. After Regis tied the game at 20-20 with over five minutes remaining, the Blazers closed the half on a decisive run. Mayfield attacked the rim for key baskets, junior guard Andrew Ciaglo (Hadley, Mass.) finished in transition, and first year forward Jaedon Bogar (Aubrey, Texas) energized the bench with a powerful dunk. ELms capitalized on multiple Regis turnovers in the final minute, turning defense into offense as junior guard DJ Watkins (Union, N.J.) and first year guard Jamie Lawson (Charlotte, N.C.) scored back-to-back layups to cap the half. The Blazers head into the locker room leading by seven at the end of the first half.

Elms carried its momentum into the second half, opening with strong defensive pressure and timely shooting to maintain control against Regis. Just over a minute in, Ciaglo drained a three-pointer off an assist from Mayfield, extending the Blazers' lead to double digits and setting the tone early. The Pride attempted to chip away at being inside scoring, but the Blazers consistently responded. Sophomore guard Jack Lo (Harahan, La.) finished through contact for a layup, while Mayfield continued to pace the offense with mid-range jumpers that kept the Blazers comfortable ahead. A short Elms run midway through the half pushed the lead to 41-31 following back-to-back baskets from Mayfield. Despite several efforts by Regis to close the gap, Elms answered with poise. Lo converted a three-point play, and moments later, Mayfield connected again to strengthen the advantage to 50-35. The Blazers' defence was just as impactful, as Cancel and Ciaglo each recorded a block during key possessions to halt Regis momentum. Elms continued to dominate the floor down the stretch, highlighted by a tip-in from Ciaglo and strong rebounding efforts that limited second-chance opportunities. The Blazers sealed the game at the free-throw line in the final minute with Cancel and Lo calmly converting late attempts to preserve the lead. Elms closed the game on a high note when Bogar finished a fast break layup in the final seconds, securing a 65-55 victory over the Pride.

INSIDE THE NUMBERS

• Mayfield - 19 points, four rebounds, three steals, and an assist.

• Ciaglo - 12 points, seven rebounds, four steals, and a block.

• Lo - 12 points, four rebounds, two assists, and a steal.

• Cancel - six points, five rebounds, a steal, a block, and an assist.

• Dagan - six points and a steal.

• Bogar - five rebounds, four points, two steals, and a block.

• Watkins - four rebounds, two points, and an assist.

• Lawson - two points, two rebounds, a steal, and an assist.

• Sarlan - two points, a rebound, and an assist.

UP NEXT: The Elms College Men's Basketball team will travel to New London, Conn. for a conference game against Mitchell College on Saturday, January 17th at 1 pm.

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