WALTHAM, Mass. – Bentley's clutch defensive plays led to points on the other end of the floor as the men's basketball team beat Saint Anselm, 85-79, Wednesday night.

The Falcons (14-7, 7-5 NE10) held a 43-33 lead at halftime, and the advantage increased to 50-33 just three minutes into the second half. However, Saint Anselm (17-5, 10-2 NE10) is the Northeast 10's first-place team for good reason.

The Hawks fought back to tie the game, 75-75, with just under four minutes left in regulation. They had possession with a chance to take a lead for the first time since the 10:31 mark of the first half. Saint Anselm's try at getting back in front was thwarted by Cash McClure when he drew an offensive foul.

Bentley's ensuing possession resulted in Jordan Elliott scoring in the paint. The Hawks tried to respond with a 3-point attempt, but the shot was off the mark and Cooper Farrall corralled the rebound. Farrall stayed active on the offensive end, and his bucket in the paint pushed Bentley's lead to 79-75 with 1:54 on the clock.

Down by two possessions, the Hawks were on the hunt for a quick two points. Saint Anselm attacked the basket, but the Bentley defense collapsed in the paint. Mantas Zilys blocked a shot attempt from just a couple feet away from the rim. Farrall grabbed the defensive board, and Bentley got the ball into McClure's hands.

McClure's turnaround jumper in the paint made it an 81-75 Bentley lead with 1:17 left in regulation. Still, the game was far from over.

Saint Anselm scored two points to cut its deficit to 81-77. Following a Bentley miss, the Hawks drew a foul and knocked down both attempts from the line. The Falcons' lead was down to two points.

With less than 20 seconds remaining, the Hawks attacked the basket to try to tie the game. Once again, Bentley's defense swarmed the paint to force a miss from up close. Chase Clarke grabbed the rebound, and he was promptly fouled.
Clarke made both free-throws, effectively icing the game for the Falcons.

Farrall recorded his ninth double-double of the season by scoring 18 points and pulling down a game-high 12 rebounds. McClure scored a team-high 21 points. Ivan Misic (13 points) and Clarke (12 points) both scored in double figures in the winning effort.

The Falcons turned the ball over only three times against Saint Anslem - a new season-best. Bentley leads the NE10 in fewest turnovers per game (10.3).  

The Falcons are on the road to New Hampshire this weekend, where they will play at Franklin Pierce Saturday, Feb. 7. Tipoff is scheduled for 3:30 p.m.