Franklin, MA- The Dean College Men's Back Clawed Back to Take Their Opening Night Victory Over Lesley University on Monday night, winning by a final score of 73-65. With the win, Dean begins the season 1-0, while the Lynx drop to 0-2 to begin the season.

Noteworthy Marks:
-Senior Randy Vasquez (Methuen, MA) recorded the team's first double-double of the season. The forward posted 14 points, 13 rebounds, and one steal in the opening night victory.
-First-year Max Shosa (Manchester, NH) recorded an impressive four blocks in his debut as a Bulldog. His four blocks is the highest in a rookie debut since Tyler Newsom in 2023 (3 Blocks).

How it Happened:
-Shosa would have the first points of the game, drilling a three-pointer from beyond the arc. Lesley would quickly respond, traveling down the other side of the court for a layup.
-The Bulldogs would continue to hold the lead throughout the first eight minutes of the half. Vazquez and Christian Yeates (Atlanta, GA) would contribute in the push.
-However, at the 12:12 mark, Lesley took the lead. A strong layup by Ryan Ellis gave them the slight 18-17 advantage. 
-The next ten minutes would be a grudge match from both sides, with the Lynx slowly pulling away. They would get as high as six points into their lead. 
-Naser Motley (Everett, WA) would score one last mayup before the horn, but going into the locker room, the Bulldogs trailed Lesley 43-39.
-Lesley would continue their march to open the second half. Their lead would extend to a game-high eight points, 58-50, with just over 12 minutes to go. 
-It was at this point where Dean answered the call. They would go on a 10-0 run to take the 60-58 lead. Christian Yeates would produce a beauty of a layup, followed up by baskets from Vazquez and Shosa (3-pointer). Yeates would strike again in the paint, producing the basket that gave the Bulldogs the lead.
-The lead would be exchanged multiple times in the subsequent minutes, but in the end, it would be Dean pulling away. 
-Vazquez and Yeates would begin the charge, followed by complimentary baskets from Motley. With Lesley getting into foul trouble, it allowed the Bulldogs to seal the victory by the final score of 73-65.

Standouts:
-Vasquez (14 Points, 13 Rebounds, Steal)
-Yeates (20 Points, 2 Assists, 6 Rebounds, Block, Steal)
-Motley (12 Points, 3 Assists, 7 Rebounds, Block, 3 Steal)
-Shosa (11 Points, Assist, 4 Blocks, 4 Steals)

Next Up:
-Wednesday, November 12th, 6:00PM Vs. Mitchell College (Non-Conference / Pieri Gymnasium)

For Media Inquiries:
Brett Chaves
Sports Information Director, Dean College Athletics
(508) 541-1826
BChaves@dean.edu