'KEENE, N.H.  2/4/03  –  Junior forward Matthew Wheeler (Shrub Oak, N.Y.) had a career-high 20 points to lead the Keene State College men's basketball team to a 95-79 victory over Tufts University in a non-conference game played Tuesday at Spaulding Gym.

It was the second straight win for KSC (14-5) while Tufts falls to 9-10.

Alphonse Michalski (Northampton, MA.) finished with 15 points and seven assists and Chris Timson (Beverly, MA.) added 14 points and a team-high eight rebounds for the Owls.

The Owls outscored the Jumbos 52-35 in the second half.  With the game knotted at 62-all early in the second half, KSC went on a 23-9 run to take a commanding 14 point lead (85-71) with 3:42 to play.

KSC used its full court press to force 32 Tufts' turnovers in the game.

The Owls prevailed despite shooting just 2-for 17 from behind the arc and 19 for-30 from the line. Tufts also had 55-34 rebound advantage.

Mike McGlynn (Medford, MA.) had a game-high 23 points including five three-pointers, and Jim Wilson (Rockland, Me.) added 16 points to lead the Jumbos.

Keene State returns to Little East play on Saturday when it travels to R.I. College (3 p.m.).

                                        -30-