Haverhill, MA (February 26, 2026) – The top seeded and #2 nationally ranked Northern Essex men's basketball team saw five players score in double figures in a 94-67 victory over eighth seeded Bristol on Thursday evening as they advance to the semi-finals for a fifth straight season.

The games opening minutes were played close before NECC meticulously began to pull away and took a 50-28 lead into the locker room at halftime, and further pulled away on the second half outscoring the Bayhawks 44-39 in the second half.

Alejandro Delgado (Haverhill) scored a game high 20 points, as he recorded 10 in each half. He was followed by Jay'von Depina (Brockton) he scored a career high 19 including five three-point baskets.

Christian Sanders (Boston) scored 15 points while both Alex Johnson (Worcester) and Joan Vidal (Lawrence) dropped in 10 points apiece.

The Knights will host fifth seeded MassBay on Friday evening at 7:00pm as the Bucs picked up a 70-66 victory over fourth seeded CCRI.