KEENE, N.H. 2/7/02 - The Keene State College men's basketball team extended its school-record winning streak to 17 games with a 88-81 non-conference victory over Lasell College of Boston at Spaulding Gym on Thursday.

Ranked fourth in the latest national NABC poll and first in the Northeast region, KSC improves to 20-1 on the season while Lasell, a member of the North Atlantic Conference, falls to 16-6. It marks the sixth time the Owls have posted a 20 win season, and the first since 1989-90.

Dave Stantial (26 points, 10 rebounds) and Chris Timson (24 points, eight rebounds) combined for 50 points and 18 rebounds to lead then way for the Owls.

KSC was never able to pull away from the athletic Lasers until the final minutes of the game. Following a steal, Stantial hit a key three-pointer to give the Owls a five point lead (84-79) with 1:56 to play. Timson hit three free throws in the closing seconds to preserve the win.

Four Lasell players finished in double-figures, led by Vince Johnson with 19 points. Dwayne Okantey also added 18 points and a game-high 15 rebounds.

Keene State returns to Little East play when they travel to Danbury, CT, for a Saturday game (3 p.m.) against Western Connecticut.

Keene State receiving votes in most recent d3hoops.com Top 25 poll (Feb. 3).
Keene State ranked No. 4 in most recent NABC Top 25 poll.