Cooper has 23 to lead Wagner to 3rd straight win, 71-62
SMITHFIELD, R.I. -- JoJo Cooper had an almost perfect night shooting to total a career-best 23 points, leading Wagner to its third straight win, holding off Bryant 71-62 on Thursday night.
Cooper knocked down all three from long range, made 4 of 4 from the line and 8 of 9 field goal attempts overall. Blake Francis added 16 points and Romone Saunders chipped in 11 while hauling down 10 rebounds for Wagner (11-5, 4-1 Northeast Conference).
The Seahawks bolted to an early lead for a 34-25 halftime advantage. Bryant closed to 47-44 following a Hunter Ware jumper. Saunders responded with a 3-pointer and a layup to push the lead to 52-46 at the 8:10 mark. The Seahawks made seven free throws down the stretch to seal the win.
Sixth-year head coach Bashir Mason is just two games away from winning his 100th career victory. He is 98-74 at Wagner.
Adam Grant led Bryant (2-16, 1-4) with 23 points.
Game Information
- Referees:
- Lee Marelli
- Douglas Hopper
- Jason Mirabito
2023-24 Northeast Conference Standings
| Team | CONF | GB | OVR |
|---|---|---|---|
| Central Connecticut | 13-3 | - | 20-11 |
| Merrimack | 13-3 | - | 21-12 |
| Sacred Heart | 10-6 | 3 | 16-16 |
| Fairleigh Dickinson | 9-7 | 4 | 15-17 |
| Le Moyne | 9-7 | 4 | 15-17 |
| Wagner | 7-9 | 6 | 17-16 |
| Long Island University | 6-10 | 7 | 7-22 |
| St. Francis (PA) | 3-13 | 10 | 8-22 |
| Stonehill | 2-14 | 11 | 4-27 |
2023-24 America East Conference Standings
| Team | CONF | GB | OVR |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vermont | 15-1 | - | 28-7 |
| UMass Lowell | 11-5 | 4 | 22-10 |
| Bryant | 11-5 | 4 | 20-13 |
| New Hampshire | 7-9 | 8 | 16-15 |
| Binghamton | 7-9 | 8 | 15-15 |
| Maine | 7-9 | 8 | 15-17 |
| UMBC | 6-10 | 9 | 11-21 |
| UAlbany | 5-11 | 10 | 13-19 |
| NJIT | 3-13 | 12 | 7-21 |
Men's College Basketball News
