Coley scores 21 as SBU beats Northeastern
Stony Brook's Dave Coley drives into the paint in the first half. (Feb. 9, 2012) Credit: Joseph D. Sullivan
Sophomore guard Dave Coley matched a career high with 21 points as visiting Stony Brook overcame a late nine-point deficit for a 76-69 non-conference win over Northeastern Saturday afternoon at Matthews Arena in Boston.
The Huskies took a 62-53 lead with 5:53 left on a three-point play by Quincy Ford. But Tommy Brenton had five points, two assists and two steals during a 17-2 run that gave Stony Brook a 70-64 lead with 1:39 remaining.
Brenton finished with 13 points, seven rebounds and seven assists and Dallis Joyner chipped in 10 points, 10 rebounds and two blocks for Stony Brook (18-8), which has won 15 of its last 17 games.
Seawolves guard Leonard Hayes rebounded from two straight scoreless games and went 3-for-5 on three-pointers for nine points.
Joel Smith had 20 points, Jonathan Lee 15, Ford 14 and Kauri Black 10 for Northeastern (12-15).
The game, which was part of the ESPN Bracketbusters, doesn't affect the America East Conference standings, but Seawolves coach Steve Pikiell was pleased after the victory over the Colonial Athletic Association school.
"I thought we played really well today, had good energy and made big plays,'' Pikiell said. "At the end, we made some defensive stops, grabbed offensive rebounds and made the most of our opportunities against a very good team.''
Stony Brook and Vermont lead the America East at 12-2 with two games left. If both teams win out, Stony Brook will earn at least a share of the regular-season title for the second time in three years but Vermont will be awarded the top seed based on a better record against third-place Boston University.
Stony Brook plays at Hartford (7-7) Tuesday and hosts Maine (5-9) next Sunday. Vermont plays at Binghamton (0-13) Tuesday and hosts UMBC (3-11) Saturday.
