Nashua, NH- The Dean College men's basketball team fell in their penultimate road match to Rivier University by a final score of 72-66. Dean now drops to 13-9 (5-6) while Rivier moves to 13-11 (6-7). 

The Bulldogs came out strong, setting the tone early with sharp ball movement and aggressive defense. Billy Ray Barnes III (Inglewood, CA) wasted no time making an impact, scoring the team's first seven points, including a deep three-pointer to ignite the offense. Midway through the first half, Christian Yeates (Atlanta, GA) provided a spark with back-to-back putbacks, keeping the Bulldogs within reach. As Rivier tried to pull away, Frankie Idlett (Miami, FL) knocked down a key jumper to halt their momentum.

In the second half, Barnes continued his scoring outburst, slashing to the rim and hitting contested jumpers. Dean made a late push in the final minutes, cutting the deficit to four after a fast-break layup by Yeates, but Rivier's clutch free-throw shooting in the closing moments ultimately sealed the game.

Barnes led the charge for the Bulldogs with a 32-point performance. He also contributed 6 rebounds, keeping Dean competitive throughout the game. Yeates recorded a double-double with 10 points and 10 rebounds, providing a strong presence in the paint. Idlett added 10 points and 4 rebounds, helping the Bulldogs stay within striking distance.

Rivier countered with a well-rounded offensive approach, capitalizing on key defensive stops and efficient shooting to secure the win. The Raiders managed to limit Dean's second-chance opportunities, controlling the boards and forcing turnovers at crucial moments. Despite a late push from the Bulldogs, Rivier's composure at the free-throw line sealed the victory.

The Bulldogs return to Pieri Gym on Tuesday for Senior Night versus Johnson & Wales University. Tip-off is slated for 7:00PM.