Fairfield, CT – The Wagner College men's basketball team cut a double-digit deficit to just two points with 12 minutes to play, but it wasn't enough, as #4 Sacred Heart earned a 67-55 victory in the Northeast Conference (NEC) quarterfinal on Wednesday night.
 
The Seahawks were led by senior Brandon Brown's 15 points and 15 rebounds, while junior Rahmir Moore added 14 points off the bench. Senior Ja'Mier Fletcher was the third Seahawk in double figures with 11 points.
 
In a tightly contested first half, Fletcher led the way with nine points and six rebounds, as the Pioneers took a 25-20 lead into the locker room.
 
Sacred Heart quickly extended its lead to 14 points at 36-22 four minutes into the second half. Wagner responded, as a bucket by graduate student Jahbril Price-Noel made it 38-36 with 12:22 to play.
 
Both teams remained within two possessions for the next four minutes, but a 10-2 Sacred Heart run re-established a double-digit lead for the Pioneers, who advance to the NEC semifinals on Saturday.
 
Wagner held a 43-30 rebounding edge and grabbed 19 offensive rebounds throughout the contest.
 
Sacred Heart was led by Tanner Thomas and Nico Galette, who contributed 14 points apiece.
 
With the loss, Wagner finishes the 2022-23 season with a 15-13 overall record.