By Andrew Parente

The men’s basketball season came to an end last weekend as the Huskies were defeated by the eventual Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) champions George Mason, 63-52, in the CAA quarterfinals.

Northeastern defeated James Madison Friday in CAA first-round action, 73-55. This marks the second straight year the Huskies have advanced to the quarterfinals in the postseason.

“I thought we played fairly well the first night and got a good balanced attack against James Madison,” said head coach Bill Coen. “Unfortunately, we ran into the eventual champs in George Mason who was playing at the top of their game and whose defense was probably at the best it’s been all year long.”

For the season, Northeastern finished with a 14-17 record and 9-9 in the CAA. The Huskies are one of only four teams to have a .500 record in conference for each season during the last three years. NU also fielded one of the youngest squads in the league with 10 freshmen and sophomores out of the 14 players on the roster.

The team was well represented at the CAA Championship banquet, with four players receiving honors. Sophomore Matt Janning, last year’s CAA rookie of the year, was named to the CAA all-conference second team and the all-academic second team. Freshman Chaisson Allen was selected to the all-rookie team.

Sophomore Nkem Ojougboh, along with sophomore Baptiste Bataille, were given all-academic honors.

“I was probably most proud of that accomplishment. We had two starters on the all-academic team, three total, and only William ‘ Mary had three players on the academic team as well,” Coen said.

With just one senior, Mark Washington, the team looked to other players to contribute. Janning is one such player who was looked to for leadership. During the season, Janning averaged 16.1 points-per-game, which was third best in the CAA. But his consistent improvement and will to win every game is what made him a stand out player, Coen said.

“He just continues to find ways to get better and I think that just speaks to his competitive nature,” Coen said. “He went into the CAA tournament with the mind-set to win and when you guys like that in your locker room who believe in those team goals you’re going to have a chance to win some games.”

Allen also had a successful first season with the Huskies, as was immediately asked to run the Northeastern offense. Coen said he realizes this was a difficult assignment and is happy with the way the freshman responded to the pressure.

The Northeastern defense was also a strong point for the team throughout the year as they finished near the top in almost every defensive category.

“At times, we didn’t shoot the ball all that well, but what kept us in those games was our defensive rebounding,” Coen said. “When you defend and hold other teams to low shooting percentage you give yourself a good chance to win.”

Next season, the core of the Northeastern squad will be back to compete again in the CAA. Coen said he realizes the importance in this and is already pleased with what his team is doing in preparation for next year.

“We bused back from Richmond on Sunday and a majority of the guys were in the gym shooting around on Monday so I think that tells you where our mind set is and how we are very anxious to get back at it,” he said. “We felt like we left a little bit on the table and with the core of young guys we have coming back, were extremely excited for next year.”