NORTHFIELD, Vt. - The Norwich University men's basketball team fought hard but fell to Lasell University, 84-60, on Wednesday evening inside Andrews Hall in Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) play.

The Lasers improved to 9-10 overall and 4-2 in league action, while the Cadets dropped to 6-12 and 1-4 in GNAC contests.

Lasell came out strong in the opening half, building momentum with efficient inside scoring and transition execution.  The Lasers shot 54.5% in the frame and raced out to a 47-24 halftime lead.

Norwich struggled to find its rhythm offensively, hitting just 31% of its shots in the first half.  Freshman guard Jordan Ricketts (Stratford, Conn.) scored seven of his team-high 15 points before the break to help keep the Cadets within reach.

Norwich responded with improved energy and execution in the second half, shooting 37.5% from the field and generating more consistent looks.  Senior forward Joe Joe DuBrul (Shelburne, Vt.) added 12 points, while junior guard Mike Johnson-Correia (Mattapan, Mass.) chipped in 11.  Sophomore forward Riley Severy (Barre, Vt.) provided timely baskets, and junior guard Niklas Nordberg (Fairfield, Pa.) added five points off the bench.

Despite several surges from the Cadets to trim the margin, Lasell's balanced scoring, spearheaded by a 27-point performance from Esmer Madesko, paired with a rebounding advantage, held firm throughout the second half.

Norwich now shifts focus to a GNAC road trip to Regis College on Saturday, Jan. 31, at 3:00 p.m.  The Cadets will look to bounce back and secure their second conference win of the season to close the month.