BOSTON – The Connecticut College men's basketball team opened the 2025-26 season with an 82-72 victory over Emerson College on Sunday afternoon at Brown & Plofker Gym.

Four Camels scored in double figures on the day, three of whom were making their Conn College debut. James LaFrance (Guilford, Conn.) introduced himself to Camel Nation with a game-high 25 points and added eight rebounds and four assists to lead the group, and Dylan Watson (Mount Kisco, N.Y.) finished just shy of his career high with 18 points. Newcomers Cole Craffey (Easton, Mass.) and Greg Cantwell (Glen Head, N.Y.) chipped in 14 and 13 points, respectively, and the former also grabbed four rebounds and made four steals.

The Camels fell behind 15-7 after a slow start but quickly made up the deficit. A three by Garrett Clar (Victor, N.Y.) sparked a 10-1 run that saw Conn grab its first lead at 17-16, capped by a Craffey three with 11:32 left in the half.

Conn ended the half with a 13-2 spurt to lead 42-34 at the break. LaFrance accounted for 11 points during the stretch—nine of which came from beyond the arc—and tallied 20 in the half.

The Camels played from in front the entire second half, expanding the margin to as many as 22. Watson scored 16 of his 18 points after the intermission to help keep the Lions at bay.

Conn finished with 11 three-pointers as a squad and shot 50 percent from deep. LaFrance connected on four attempts while Watson added three to lead the charge.   

Conn (1-0 overall) will next host SUNY New Paltz on Tuesday, November 18 at 7:00 p.m.