Sikonski again headed for Elite Eight.

Byline: Dave Nordman

COLUMN: NCAA REGIONAL FINAL

WALTHAM - Michael Sikonski practically grew up around the corner from Assumption College, but the Holden resident wasn't very neighborly last night.

Sikonski, Bentley's 6-foot-7 starting center, helped the undefeated Falcons (33-0) defend their Division 2 Northeast Regional title with an 88-72 victory over the Greyhounds at jam-packed Dana Center.

Sikonski scored only two points, but he'll settle for a return trip to the Elite Eight, which gets under way March 26 at the Mass Mutual Center in Springfield.

The Falcons will play South Regional champion North Alabama in the national quarterfinals. Ironically, Assumption defeated North Alabama, 85-78, on Nov. 10 in the Disney Classic.

"It's an unbelievable feeling," said Sikonski, a 2005 Wachusett Regional graduate, who helped the Mountaineers win the Central Mass. Division 1 title as a junior.

He was named Player of the Year by the Massachusetts Basketball Coaches Association as a senior while leading Wachusett to the tournament quarterfinals.

"It's not something you think is going to happen two years in a row," said Sikonski, whose basket in the paint put Bentley ahead, 30-19, a lead it would stretch to 47-31 by intermission.

Going to consecutive Elite Eights was hardly on Sikonski's mind when his parents, Ed and Maryellen, used to bring him to Assumption games as a youngster.

He continued to watch the Greyhounds through high school and admits to still being a fan.

Except when they play the Falcons.

"I had no idea I'd be playing against them or even in the same league," Sikonski said. "But Bentley was the perfect choice for me, and I couldn't be happier how things have turned out."

Assumption cut its deficit to five twice and four once in the second half before the Falcons pulled away in the final six minutes.

"Obviously we got off to a great start," said Bentley coach Jay Lawson, who coached his 500th game.

"Assumption's in this game for a reason. They're not going to go away. They're a tough, older team just like us. They started making shots from the perimeter, which is not their forte."

The Falcons had five players score in double figures - Jason Westrol (22), Nate Fritsch (17), Mike Quinn (18), Yusuf Abdul-Ali (15) and Lew Finnegan (10).

"Our poise to just maintain our level of play, whether we're ahead or behind, is outstanding," said Lawson, whose team became the first to defend its Northeast Regional title since UMass-Lowell in 2003-04.

"We're all very excited to be moving on to something we participated in last year. It's very lucky, unique, special."

Assumption stayed in the game by outrebounding Bentley, 43-32, including 16-9 on the offensive glass.

"We really respect them. They're a really good team," Westrol said. "They're a very physical team and were all over the glass. I think we had a few guys that were pretty tired."

Bentley was also perfect (32-0) entering last year's Elite Eight, but lost to Winona State, 64-51. The Falcons' 33 wins this season is a school and New England Division 2 record.

Siknonski, who played sparingly during last year's playoff run, has started all 33 games this season.

He scored in all but five games, including a career-high 18 against Southern Connecticut last month.

"I wanted to work hard over the summer and do some things to try to help the team the most I could," Sikonski said. "I've stepped into somewhat of a role. I couldn't be happier with the situation."

ART: PHOTO

CUTLINE: Assumption's Mitch Bajema, left, and Alex Popp, right, double-team Bentley's Michael Sikonski, who starred at Wachusett Regional.

PHOTOG: T&G Staff/STEVE LANAVA