NEW LONDON, N.H. – A second-half run by the Colby-Sawyer Chargers proved to be the difference maker on Saturday afternoon as the Chargers defeated the Emmanuel Saints men's basketball team 78-72 at the David L. Coffin Field House in Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) action.

The Saints drop to 4-19 (3-9 GNAC) as the GNAC playoff picture grows unclear for Emmanuel with two games to go. The Chargers move to 5-18 (3-9 GNAC) and are in the same position as the Saints when it comes to the GNAC standings.

After a close first half that saw the largest lead by either side at seven points, a scoring surge early in the second half would prove vital for Colby-Sawyer in the victory.

Tied 40-40 with 16:24 remaining, the Chargers opened up their largest lead of the afternoon with the help of a 25-12 run that gave the home side a 65-52 lead with 7:31 to go. Chargers grad Bryson Jenkins scored 11 points in the run with first-year Brady Rogers adding in six more, helping Colby-Sawyer to a 13-point advantage.

But as they have done for much of the season, the Saints made a run of their own to get back into Saturday's critical GNAC game before falling just short of overtaking the lead.

Trailing by a dozen with 6:17 left in regulation, Emmanuel battled back with a 16-6 spurt in the span of 5:29, to cut the deficit to 74-72 with 48 seconds left. Sophomores Mahari Guerrier and Cameron Snowden combined for 11 of the 16 points in the run.

Emmanuel had chances in the final minute but late-game turnovers by the visitors and free throw shooting by the home side would keep the Chargers ahead, on the way to their 78-72 win.

Chargers senior Chaz Cullum scored a game-high 19 points to go with 10 rebounds in a full 40 minutes. Jenkins added 17 points while Rogers chipped in with 12 points in 21 minutes off the bench.

Saints junior Vondre Chase led the Saints with 16 points and seven rebounds. Guerrier and Snowden added 13 and 12 points, respectively, while Noah Beaudet finished with 11 points.

The Saints travel to New England College on Tuesday, Feb. 18, for a 7:00 p.m. game. The Chargers head to Regis on Feb. 18 to face the Pride at 7:00 p.m.