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Panthers snap skid, hand host Winthrop first loss

After three straight losses, the Beverly boys basketball team was ready to take its frustrations out on someone. Last night, their wrath came down on host Winthrop as the Panthers invaded the previously unbeaten Vikings' gym and came away with a 71-64 victory.

"That was a huge win and we needed it badly," said Beverly coach Scott Lewis. "Everyday we've been saying that we're only one win away from getting back on track."

The Panthers (3-4) led by as many as 13 in the second half and knocked down their free throws in the fourth quarter to seal the win. Nate Knudson had 16 points, Matt McQuaid added 14 and Justin Reese chipped in 11 off the bench to cap a well-rounded attack. Mike Clayton ran the offense with precision, collecting eight assists.

"What was most impressive was that we had so much balance," said Lewis.

Senior forward Matt Tobin was a force in the paint, scoring a team-high 18 points while collecting 14 rebounds in his return to the line-up after an ankle injury on Sunday.

"He was probably at 50 or 60 percent on his ankle and he gave us so much," said Lewis. "Everybody else seems to breathe a little easier knowing we have him back."