FRANKLIN, Mass. – February 19, 2022 – The Dean College men's basketball team was defeated by Emmanuel, 86-61, in a Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) regular season finale for both teams.  

Prior to today's game, Dean honored seniors Winston Bryan (Greensboro, S.C.), Traijan Powell (Sierra Vista, Ariz.) and Nick Sampeck (Blanco, Texas). Director of basketball operations Eddie Rigano was also recognized for his commitment to the program. The team also presented President Rooney with a signed basketball to thank her for all that she has done for the College in her 27 years of service.

Dean goes to 8-16 overall and 3-14 in the GNAC, which is good enough for the final postseason spot. Emmanuel improves to 14-10 overall and 10-7 in the conference standings. The Saints earned the fifth seed, which means the teams will meet on Tuesday at 7 p.m. at Emmanuel in the GNAC first round.

Bryan paced the Bulldogs' attack with 15 points. Sampeck was second on the team with 13 points, while Powell finished with seven points and six rebounds. Sophomore Marquist Muse (Franklin, N.J.) grabbed nine rebounds off the bench.

Sophomore Donte Pope (Middletown, Conn.) led all player with 20 points on 9-11 shooting. He also had a team best nine rebounds for the Saints. Graduate student Zachary Crisafulli (Easthampton, Mass.) was 8-12 for 18 points, while sophomore Bryant Ciccio (Attleboro, Mass.) added 14 points.

The first half featured 13 lead changes as each side traded buckets. Emmanuel led 28-27 with 4:37 on the clock before ending the first half on a 14-5 run, capped by a Ciccio trey in the final seconds. The Saints shot 50% from the floor to lead 42-32 at the break. Bryan led Dean with 12 points in the half.

The visitors built a 22-point lead by starting the second half on a 17-5 run and never looked back. Emmanuel shot 53.1% in the second half and held the Bulldogs to 32.5%.

Emmanuel scored 46 points in the paint for the game and shot 51.5% as a team. Dean shot 35.1%.