BOSTON – Suffolk men's basketball suffered its first setback of the season as the Rams dropped its battle of the Boston Commons to Emerson, 55-51, Tuesday after Brown & Plofker Gym.  

THE BASICS
SCORE: Suffolk 51 | Emerson 55
RECORDS: Suffolk (3-1) | Emerson (2-3) 

HOW IT HAPPPENED
Suffolk shot just 38.7 percent from the field over the first 20 minutes and one hit one triple, while the Lions poured in six treys in the first half, which helped the host hold a 31-25 lead at half time. 

The shooting struggles started from the get go for Suffolk, who trailed by six, 14-8, at the midway point. 

Back-to-back buckets from Keenan Robertson followed by a long ball by Jake Gomez pushed the blue-and-gold in front, 15-14, at the 7:32 mark. 

The lead flipped back in Emerson's favor on its next possession as Brendan McNamara swished a 3-pointer. From there a back-and-forth affair ensued. 

With just over 2:30 remaining in the first frame, Aidan Sullivan sandwiched pull-up jumpers around a Nate Martin jump shot that kept the Lions in front, 26-25. 

Emerson ended the stanza with five points in a row to send Suffolk into the locker room down 31-25. 

Despite Robertson scoring the first four points, the six-point gap stood in the Lions favor after four minutes were removed from the clock in the second half. 

For every comeback attempt the Rams made the Lions responded and eventually their lead grew to double figures, 50-40, with 6:18 to go in regulation. 

The Rams would not go down without a fight as Robertson's long ball jump started a 9-0 Suffolk stretch to pulled the blue-and-gold back within three, 52-49. 

Out of an Emerson timeout, Suffolk saw multiple chances to level the playing field, but the Rams shots were off the mark and the Lions hung on for the victory. 

STATISTLCALLY SPEAKING

• Robertson registered a game-high 23 points. The sophomore was on the verge of a double-double with nine rebounds to go along with two steals and one assist. 
• Sullivan added 10 points, three dimes, three takeaways and two caroms. 
• Cole LeVangie pitched in seven points, fire rebounds and one assist. 
• William Rowe chipped in six points, five boards, one swat and one steal. 
• Suffolk shot just 36.7 percent (22-60) from the floor and 17.6 percent (3-17) from 3-point range. 
• The Rams put together an 80.0 (4-5) connection rate at the line.
• Emerson had a trio of players in double figures in Jared Houston (16), James Beckwith (12) and Martin (10). 
• The Lions had a better shooting percentage from behind-the-arc (47.4) than the field (43.8). 
• Over half of Suffolk's points (26) came in the paint. 
• The Rams turned the Lions 14 turnovers into 12 points. 

NOTEWORTHY

• Suffolk moved to 9-32 all-time against Emerson and 4-18 when playing on the Lions' hardwood. 
• Robertson registered his second 20-plus point game of the year.   

POST-GAME PIC
 

WHAT'S NEXT?
Suffolk will prep for its CCC opener that is on tap for Wednesday, Nov. 30 against Western New England at Larry E. and Michael S. Smith Court at 7:30 p.m.