KEENE, N.H. 1/10/02- Returning the line-up after missing a game with an ankle sprain, Dave Stantial (Beverly, MA.) came off the bench to scored 21 points (six three-pointers) to lead the Keene State College men's basketball team to a thrilling come-from-behind 88-73 victory over Middlebury College Thursday in Keene.

Winners of six straight, Keene State improved to 9-1 on the season. It is the best start ever by an Owl basketball team. Both 1998-99 and 1952-53 squads opened their season with 8-1 marks. Middlebury College drops to 5-6 on the season.

The Owls once again displayed a balance attack with Derek Swenson (Attleboro, MA.), Chris Timson (Beverly, MA.) and Chris Urquhart (Salem, NH) finishing with 13 points each. Kyle Purinton (Northwood, NH) also added nine points and 11 rebounds.

Nate Anderson (Hinesburg, Vt.) topped the Panthers with 19 points.

Trailing by eight (54-46) following a three-pointer by Adam Sinoway (Harrsburg, Pa) at the 14:59 mark, the Owls regrouped to take a 58-53 lead on a trey by Stantial with 8:43 to play. KSC eventually pulled away from the Panthers taking an 11 point lead 78-67 on a driove by Timson with 2:22 to go.

Keene State had a 46-27 rebound advantage in the game. The Owls return to Little East play on Saturday when they host defending champs UMA-Dartmouth in a 3 p.m. game at Spaulding Gym.