NORTHFIELD, Vt. – The Rivier men's basketball team fell to Norwich, 79-62, in Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) action on Wednesday night at Andrews Hall in the Raiders' first conference loss of the campaign.

The Raiders fell to 10-3 (3-1 GNAC) while the Cadets improved to 10-4 (2-1 GNAC).

Norwich held a 29-24 lead at halftime with six Cadets joining the scoring efforts as they shot 40% from the field. Odarius Cade led Rivier with 12 points while the Raiders were limited to 29.4% field goal shooting as a squad in the opening 20 minutes.

In the second half, Owen Liss erupted for 18 points on 80% shooting to help the hosts outscore the Raiders 50-38 and pull away for a 17-point victory. Both Joe Joe DuBrul and Omarion Jett combined to go 4-for-4 from deep in the second half as Norwich shot 75% from behind the arc in the frame.

Norwich's Rodrick Pearson finished with 10 points, nine rebounds, and six blocks in the contest as the Cadets swatted 11 Rivier field goal attempts.

Rivier was outrebounded, 43-31, in the setback.

Cade finished with a team-high 23 points on 10-of-20 shooting with three steals and one assist.

The Raiders will continue GNAC play on Saturday, Jan. 13 in a noon tilt against Saint Joseph (Conn.)