WALTHAM, Mass. – Despite struggling to find a consistent shooting touch, the Bentley men's basketball team nearly beat Saint Michael's in a Northeast 10 game in Waltham Saturday afternoon. However, the Purple Knights held on for a 76-74 win.

Bentley (4-3, 1-1 NE10) shot a season-low 36.6-percent from the floor against Saint Michael's. Bentley had shot no worse than 43.3-percent in its first six games to start the season.

The game was tied 68-68 with just under five minutes remaining in regulation. The Purple Knights scored in the paint twice, and got a defensive stop in between possessions, to take a 72-68 lead. Cooper Farrall knocked down a 3-pointer to bring the Falcons to within a point, but again the Purple Knights scored in the pain to push the lead to three points, 74-71.

The Falcons got back to within a point when Cash McClure hit a baseline jumper with 2:18 on the clock, but that stood as Bentley's final field goal of the game.

Bentley still trailed by a point when it sent the Purple Knights to the line for a one-and-one and nine seconds left. Saint Michael's missed the first attempt, but it tracked down the rebound. Once again, Bentley had to foul. This time, the Purple Knights hit both free-throws.

In terms of team fouls, Saint Michael's had a safe distance from the bonus. The team chose to foul Bentley several times in the final seconds, preventing the Falcons from attempting a 3-pointer. Chase Clarke went to the line for a one-and-one opportunity. He made the first attempt, and deliberately missed the second. Saint Michael's corralled the rebound, effectively ending the game.

Farrall finished the game with 17 points and nine rebounds. Clarke matched those nine boards and added nine points. McClure scored 14 points, and Mantas Zilys net 16 points off the bench.