By Alexander Gilbert
The scoreboard reads 74-73 in favor of Suffolk University’s Rams, and there is under a minute left on the clock. The title of the 2025 Conference of New England Champion going to either Suffolk University or Western New England University is riding on the final moments of the game.
With 26 seconds left on the clock, Cody Palazzesi, a junior guard for WNE, sinks two free throw shots and puts the Golden Bears ahead by one point. The crowd is on the edge of their seats as Suffolk University regains possession of the ball and makes a shot on the hoop. The ball drops through the net as the buzzer sounds — but the referees rule that the shot was made tenths of a second too late and the basket does not count.
The Western New England University Golden Bears have claimed the Conference of New England Champion title and are the number-one team in the region.
The March 1 win against Suffolk University was special for the team, as they were able to play on Western New England University’s AHLC home court, surrounded by student fans and family.
The men’s basketball coach, Colin Tabb, said, “I cannot thank the student body enough for the atmosphere that they created.” With the back and forth of the game, there were moments when the team was behind, and the crowd helped push them forward. Tabb noted, “Their support was so good, and I think that propelled our energy and our effort to another level.”
Students on the bleachers went all out with their Golden Bear pride while cheering on the basketball team. A large group of friends donned their Western New England University spirit by painting themselves blue and yellow, spelling out “Go GBears!” on their chests.
Tabb recalled the feelings on the court after the victory, saying, “There was happiness, relief, and just an immense amount of disbelief about what we just accomplished.”
After winning the conference, it was time for the Golden Bears to play in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division III tournament for the first time in 25 years. Tabb said, “We were able to appreciate the win, but once we found out we were playing Hamilton, it was all preparation mode.”
At the NCAA tournament, the men’s basketball team made Western New England University history by being the first team ever to progress into the basketball tournament’s Sweet 16 round. After their home victory against Suffolk University, the Golden Bears won their next two games, defeating both Hamilton and Montclair University in the NCAA tournament. They beat Hamilton 83-73 and Montclair 79 to 61.
Tabb recognized the team’s defensive strength as a core reason why the team performed so well this year. The Golden Bears dominated in defense, with higher defensive points per game and defensive field goal percentage compared to Northeast Division III opponents. Tabb said, “We held Montclair, who averages 85 points per game, to 61,” which demonstrated the team’s defensive success.
The Golden Bear’s winning streak came to an end in their third NCAA tournament game against Trinity, who ultimately took home the Division III NCAA National Champion title.
The Golden Bears played strong, and it will be a season remembered for years to come.
