SPRINGFIELD, Mass. – The Westfield State men's basketball team held off Bowdoin in a 86-73 decision on day one of the Naismith Classic hosted by Springfield College on Saturday afternoon.
 
The Polar Bears fall to 5-7 with the loss while the Owls improve to 8-4.
 
Game Highlights

• The teams traded baskets in a close first half, until a late surge by the Owls pushed the lead to double digits.
• Bowdoin was able to cut the lead to six points on a Ben Chilson three-pointer with 2:30 left in the frame, but Westfield scored the final four points to carry a 43-33 edge into intermission.
• Westfield opened the second half on a 15-5 run to push their lead to 20 points, 58-38, with 14:11 to go.
• Bowdoin used a 12-0 run with under ten minutes to play, trimming the Westfield State lead to eight points, 71-63, with under four minutes to go.
• The Polar Bears could not get any closer, however, as the Owls held on to win.

By The Numbers

• Westfield State shot 51% for the game and held Bowdoin to 35% from the field.
• Natrel Allen had a career-high 21 points to lead the Polar Bears while Ben Chilson scored 17 with six rebounds.
• Nolan Bessire had a team-best eight boards while James McGowan paced Bowdoin with five assists and three steals.
• The Polar Bears were able to stay within striking distance thanks to 18 points off 16 Westfield State turnovers.

Up Next

• The Polar Bears will play host team Springfield in the consolation game at noon on Sunday.