NEWPORT, R.I. -- Salve Regina University men's basketball made 16-of-28 (57.1%) of its field goals in the second half and shot 90 percent from the line (9-of-10) to rally for a 67-61 quarterfinal playoff victory over Clark University in the NEWMAC Championships. The third-seeded Seahawks (19-7, 11-5 NEWMAC) advance to the semifinals, where they'll play tomorrow night at second-seeded Babson College. The Beavers have been idle since earning the No. 2 Seed after ending the regular season with a 98-64 defeat of Salve Regina in Newport last Saturday.

The Cougars (12-14, 7-9 NEWMAC) finish their season with a seventh consecutive setback. Clark entered the 2025-26 campaign with an 11-0 mark all-time against Salve Regina before the Seahawks swept the season series and took their first-ever NEWMAC postseason matchup.

Cougar freshman Aliaun Iscandari (Hawthorne, Calif.) led all players with 30 points on 11-of-20 from the floor and 8-of-9 from the line. Sophomore Kyle Squires (Kingston, Mass.) joined him in double figures with a 16-point effort.

Salve Regina, which trailed by three at the half (25-22) and as many as eight earlier in the stanza, got a balanced scoring attack with four Seahawks in double-digit scoring -- Sean Seymour (Albany, N.Y.) with 18 points, Domenic Malvey (Newtown, N.H.) with 15 points, Jack McMullen (East Greenwich, R.I.) with 12 points, and Zavier Francoeur (Canton, Mass.) with 11 points. McMullen had a double-double with a game-high 11 rebounds.

The opening 20 minutes featured a competitive back-and-forth, but Clark University managed to establish a lead behind efficient scoring from its backcourt. Clark jumped out to a fast start, with first-half scoring paced by Aliaun Iscandari and Kyle Squires, who combined for early baskets that helped push the Cougars in front. Clark led 25-22 at the break. Salve Regina kept pace through a balanced attack, with Sean Seymour is leading the Seahawks offensively and Domenic Malvey contributing sharply in the paint. While Salve struggled with its perimeter accuracy — connecting on just one 3-pointer before intermission — its free-throw effectiveness (going 9-for-12 in the period) kept the team within striking distance. Clark, meanwhile, maintained slightly better shooting percentages overall and benefited from interior play that regularly got it high-percentage looks close to the basket. Multiple lead changes and tied possessions characterized the stanza, but the Cougars' early offensive rhythm gave them a slender edge heading into halftime. 

The complexion of the game shifted dramatically after halftime, as Salve Regina seized control in the second period with sustained offensive pressure and improved shot-making. Salve Regina opened the half on a higher gear, converting efficiently from both the free-throw line and from the field, including improved perimeter production. Seymour continued to assert himself as the team's primary scoring option while Malvey and Jack McMullen provided resilient support around the rim and on drives. The Seahawks' defense also tightened, forcing several turnovers and converting those opportunities into crucial points. Clark still received solid scoring from Iscandari and Squires, but the latter half saw their production offset by Salve Regina's deep run. Salve's bench also contributed, particularly with key defensive stops and transition scoring that helped the Seahawks wear down the Cougar defense. Over the course of the period, Salve Regina outpaced Clark by nine points, turning a three-point halftime deficit into a six-point victory. The second period amounted to a balanced offensive display from Salve Regina, with excellent free-throw shooting and a more diversified scoring attack proving decisive. Conversely, Clark's second-half offense — while showing flashes — could not consistently find outside shots or contain Salve's transition opportunities, sealing the Seahawks' 67-61 win. 

Salve Regina has a quick turnaround for its first-ever NEWMAC semifinal as the No. 3 Seahawks travel to play at No. 2 Babson College with a 7:30 p.m. tip-off on FloCollege.

About the NEWMAC

The NEWMAC is an association of 12 selective academic institutions: Babson College, Clark University, U.S Coast Guard Academy, Emerson College, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Mount Holyoke College, Salve Regina University, Smith College, Springfield College, Wellesley College, Wheaton College, and Worcester Polytechnic Institute, that are committed to providing high quality competitive athletic opportunities for student-athletes within an educational and respectful environment that embodies the NCAA Division III Philosophy. The conference also partners with eight Associate Members: Brandeis University (Women's Lacrosse, 2026-2027), New York University (Men's Volleyball, 2026-2027), Norwich University (Football), Simmons College (Rowing), SUNY Maritime College (Football), SUNY New Paltz (Men's Volleyball, 2026-2027), U.S. Merchant Marine Academy (Football), and Vassar College (Men's Volleyball, 2026-2027), while sponsoring 20 sports.