Northeastern 62, New Hampshire 57

Dec 3, 2007, 11:03 pm

DURHAM, N.H. (AP) -- Matt Smith's 3-pointer helped rescue Northeastern from blowing an 18-point lead and the Huskies held on for a 62-57 victory over New Hampshire on Monday night.

Northeastern (3-4) used a 16-2 run to take a 35-18 lead, and increased it to 18 before New Hampshire closed to 38-24 at the half. It still was 50-34 with 13:02 left before Mike Christensen scored 8 of his 17 points to pull the Wildcats (3-4) within 52-48 with 8:05 left.

Northeastern's margin narrowed to 56-55 with 4:30 left before a free throw and Smith's 3-pointer sealed the victory.

Matt Janning led the Huskies with 16 and Smith finished with 13.

Alvin Abreu of New Hampshire hit two free throws, but Christensen missed a 3-pointer, and Chris Alvarez wrapped it up for the Huskies with two free throws.

Abreu finished with 10 points. Dane DiLiegro had 12 points and 12 rebounds for New Hampshire.