Weston, Mass.- The MEC Cougars dropped a non conference game in Men's Basketball to the Western Connecticut State Colonials 85-72 on Friday November 18, 2011 at Regis College part of the Regis Tip-Off Tournament.

For the 6 minutes of action, MEC swapped back and forth with the lead. They led by as much as 2pts, and there was a tie. At the 12:25 mark, a tip in by Colonials Gary Robinson, put them on top 12-10. They would never look back leading into the half 43-32. West Conn. was making baskets from 3pt. range (3-10) and on the free throw line (16-18) in the 1st half. The Cougars shot 35.5% from the field (11-31), 33.3% from 3pt. range (1-3), and 60% from the free throw line (9-15). Jovan Deare led the Cougars with 11pts while DaQuan Brooks led West Conn. with 16pts. 

After a fiery, motivational speech by Head Coach Chris Pursoo of MEC, he motivated his club with enough will power that they scored 12 unanswered points in the 1st three and a half minutes of the 2nd half. The score was 44-43 MEC when MEC pulled to a 7pt. lead 52-45 with 13:25 minutes to go. West Conn would fight back with a 3pt. shot from DaQuan Brooks cutting lead to 58-57 MEC with 9:13 left. Free throws would do the Cougars in, because West Conn. State made 4 straight, giving them a 61-60 lead with 8:01 left in the game. They once never again would pull away, as large as 13pts to beat the Cougars 85-72. 

MEC was led in the half by Sophomore Tony Sims and Junior Jovan Deare. Each tallied 11pts, nearly half of the teams 40pts. The Colonials were led in the half from DaQuan Brooks and Gary Robinson. Brooks knocked in 11pts while Robinson added 12pts. 

MEC shot 41.7% from the field (15-36), 20% from 3pt. range (1-5), and 90% from the free throw line (9-10). West Conn. shot 32.4% from the field (11-34), 36.4% from 3pt. range (4-11), and 94.1% from the free throw line (16-17).

Head Coach Pursoo, said "My team fought hard down at the half, coming back to take the lead. I'm proud of the effort. I give West Conn. full credit and applaud them for the fight to come back and beat us. I know my guys showed true grit and this will be the 1st step of the long journey this season has in store".

MEC was led by Jovan Deare who tallied 22pts, 4 rebounds, an assist, a block and 2 steals. Tony Sims and Jarrel Deare each tallied 11pts and Winston Douglas added 10pts.

West Conn. was led by DaQuan Brooks who punched in 27pts.

MEC will be back in action, on Saturday Nov.19, 2011 when they take on Maine Maritime Mariners in the consolation game. Tip-off is at 1pm.