LEE, N.H. (Interstat) — New Hampshire built a substantial first-half lead and withstood a late push to defeat Massachusetts-Lowell 66-61 in an America East Conference men’s basketball game Thursday night at Lundholm Gym.

The Wildcats led 40-30 at halftime before the River Hawks closed the gap in the second half. Jack Graham led New Hampshire with 16 points. Angel Montas scored a game-high 18 points for Massachusetts-Lowell, and JJ Massaquoi added 13.

New Hampshire improved to 8-12 overall. Massachusetts-Lowell fell to 8-14. Attendance was 505.