NASHUA, N.H. - Jeff Carpenter scored a game-high 21 points, and Danny Ford added 14 points to lead Rivier past Norwich, 72-71, in a thrilling GNAC men's basketball game played Thursday evening.

Rivier's Phil Lima hit what proved to be the game-winning free throw in the final minute, and Norwich missed a three-pointer at the buzzer as the Raiders held on for the win.

Bryant Mills added 11 points for Rivier, as the Raiders improve to 8-5 (5-1 GNAC).

For the third straight game, Jaren Jeffcoat led Norwich in scoring, collecting 19 points off the bench. The Cadets (6-6, 2-4 GNAC) also got 16 points and 11 rebounds from Jerrold Williams and 13 points, 11 rebounds and a game-high five assists from Jamel Bedford. Derrick Montiero chipped in with 10 points and six rebounds for NU.

Rivier and Norwich traded baskets throughout the first half with neither team holding more than a four-point lead. The Raiders eventually ended the exciting stanza with a 34-30 edge.

The second half featured even more see-saw action before Rivier broke free with a 6-0 spurt, turning a 65-64 lead into a 71-64 advantage with three minutes remaining. Norwich quickly responded by reeling off seven straight points to tie the game at 71-71 with 40 seconds left on the clock.

Norwich returns to action on Saturday, Jan. 19, when the Cadets host GNAC foe Albertus Magnus at Andrews Hall. Tip-off is set for 1 p.m.