The New Haven men’s basketball team came away with another win last Tuesday night, earning a big 55-48 win in a defensive battle with Saint Michael’s College. The Chargers were largely in control from the opening minutes of the game and would not give up the lead at any point. The win marks their second in a row, bringing their record to 12-5 in Northeast-10 play, placing them second in the conference standings.

Saint Michael’s opened the scoring with a three-pointer from guard Alan Brzezinski, followed by a layup from forward Dario Milojevic to take an early lead in the opening minutes. New Haven responded quickly with a pair of threes from guard Victor Olawoye and forward Ty Perry taking the lead, which they held onto for the rest of the game.

The Chargers added to their lead with layups from guard Quashawn Lane and forward Davontrey Thomas to stretch the lead to four, and they continued with a pair of free throws from Olawoye.

With just over eight minutes to play in the first half, Thomas knocked down a jumper, but the Purple Knights responded with a three from forward Jacob Duniver that cut the lead to five.

After a jumper from forward Sean Braithwaite, neither team registered a basket for nearly two minutes. Forward Jason Edokpayi added a layup, sending Saint Michael’s into their first timeout of the game.

The Chargers came out of the timeout with a quick basket by Olawoye to give New Haven a double-digit lead, which they held for most of the half until guard Chuma Oyigbo knocked down a three with 36 seconds remaining to make it a nine-point game.

New Haven’s offense came out of the break with a jumper from Perry, who finished with a team-high 16 points. Guard Darrel Yepdo brought the deficit within eight with a three as they looked to stage a comeback early in the second half.

The Chargers responded, as Perry scored the team’s next six points to give them a comfortable 13-point lead with 15 minutes left to play. The defense held up with their efficient scoring, stretching the lead to as much as 21 after a layup from Olawoye.

Saint Michael’s brought the game within eight with just three and a half minutes remaining with 13 consecutive points. After a pair of free throws from Perry, the Purple Knights’ offense once again looked to stage a comeback with a fastbreak three from Oyigbo and a free throw from Yepdo with 18 seconds left to play. But New Haven sealed the game with free throws from Thomas and Perry.

The Chargers returned to the court on Saturday with a matchup against Assumption University. This did not end well for New Haven, as the Greyhounds connected on a layup with 18 seconds left to take a one-point lead. That held for Assumption, as they walked away with a 65-64 win.

New Haven returns to the court on Wednesday as they host the College of Staten Island at Charger Gymnasium. Tipoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m., and more information can be found at NewHavenChargers.com.