Vitko's Return Propels Gulls Over UNE, 95-70

BEVERLY, Mass. — Appearing in his first game in over 15 months, Endicott senior guard Ty Vitko (Dover, N.H.) sparked the Gulls to a 95-70 conference victory over the University of New England (UNE) on Tuesday night at MacDonald Gymnasium.

Vitko made his triumphant return to the hardwood after rehabbing from a serious knee injury in October 2021. During that time, Vitko completed a three-month internship at Integrity Hoops in California, training third-to-ninth-grade athletes along with shadowing NBA strength and conditioning coach Cade Jones.

To learn more about Vitko's story click here: Vitko Reflects on Training With NBA Stars While Nursing Injury.

As for the game, Vitko poured in 11 points (3-5 FG, 2-3 3PT, 3-3 FT) and notched one block in front of a supportive crowd in 11 minutes off the bench. 

The Gulls also saw five additional student-athletes reach double-figures in Jalen Echevarria (Lynn, Mass.) (15), Dillon Grant (Dennis, Mass.) (11), Parker McLaren (Newburyport, Mass.) (11), Drew Brown (Pelham, N.H.) (10), and Max Grenert (Beverly, Mass.) (10).

Endicott never trailed in the contest and led by as many as 28 points with 3:55 left to play in the second half.

BEYOND THE BOX SCORE

• The Gulls set a new season-high 95 points in tonight's victory.
• Endicott forced 19 UNE miscues, resulting in 17 points off those turnovers.
• The Blue and Green produced 60 bench points to the visitors' 29. 
• Endicott is 30-12 all-time against UNE.

WHAT'S NEXT

Endicott (12-6, 8-3 CCC) travels the short ride to Gordon College on Saturday, January 28 at 3:00 PM. UNE (2-16, 0-11 CCC) visits Roger Williams this Saturday at 3:00 PM. 

For the latest on Endicott Athletics, follow the Gulls on social media on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.

(Photo Credit - Demetrius Kazanas '22 M'23)