In the fiercely competitive landscape of the Northeast-10 Conference, parity is the norm, especially in men’s basketball. This reality makes the Bentley Falcons’ reign from 2006 to 2008 not just impressive, but legendary. Their dominant run, rightfully celebrated among the 40 Iconic Moments in NE10 history, stands as a testament to sustained excellence and a feat incredibly challenging to replicate.
During the 2006-07 and 2007-08 seasons, the Bentley Falcons etched their names into the annals of college basketball with an unblemished 54-0 record in conference play. Their overall record during this period was an astonishing 66-2, with both defeats coming at the hands of Winona State, a national powerhouse and three-time national finalist, in the Elite Eight stage of the NCAA Division II tournament.
The Perfect Storm of 2006-07: An Undefeated Regular Season
The 2006-07 Bentley Falcons team was a force of nature, concluding the season with a phenomenal 32-1 record. They navigated the Northeast-10 Conference with a perfect 22-0 sweep, showcasing their dominance game after game. Their journey to the Elite Eight was marked by claiming both the coveted NE10 tournament championship and the NCAA Regional title, entering the national quarterfinal round with a spotless 32-0 record. The dream of a perfect season, however, concluded with a 64-51 loss to another undefeated team, the 36-0 Winona State, who ultimately fell in a heart-breaking buzzer-beater loss in the national championship game.
Bentley Falcons men’s basketball team group photo, celebrating their achievements during the iconic 2006-2007 season.
2007-08: Continuing the Dynasty, Reaching the National Semifinals
The subsequent 2007-08 season saw Bentley maintain their unwavering supremacy. They repeated their flawless 22-0 conference record, demonstrating consistency at the highest level. The Falcons once again successfully defended their NE10 tournament and NCAA regional championships. In the regional tournament, they asserted their dominance over conference rivals, defeating Merrimack, Bryant, and Assumption by an average margin of 16 points, earning a return ticket to Springfield and another Elite Eight appearance.
This 2007-08 squad elevated their performance, advancing to 34-0 with a commanding Elite Eight victory over North Alabama (102-92). Bentley held a halftime lead in the national semifinals against Winona State, but ultimately succumbed to an 86-75 defeat against the eventual national champions. Despite the semifinal loss, the 2007-08 “Bentley 08” team cemented their place as one of the program’s greatest.
Action shot of a Bentley Falcons player during a game in the 2007-2008 season, highlighting the team’s dynamic play.
Milestones of a Historic Winning Era
These two exceptional seasons were punctuated by a series of remarkable accomplishments, solidifying the Bentley Falcons’ place in New England basketball history:
- Unprecedented Winning Streaks: They achieved the two longest winning streaks in New England men’s basketball history across all divisions, with streaks of 32 and 34 games. Both surpassed the previous record of 29 consecutive wins set by a Holy Cross team led by Bob Cousy 57 years prior.
- Regional Dominance: Twice, to secure the NCAA Division II regional title, Bentley had to defeat a conference opponent four times in a single season (Bryant in 2007, Assumption in 2008), showcasing their in-conference superiority.
- Conference Game Mastery: The Falcons strung together an incredible 55 consecutive conference wins from November 21, 2006, to November 19, 2008, demonstrating sustained dominance within the NE10.
- Regular Season Prowess: Bentley’s 55 consecutive regular season victories from February 21, 2006, to November 7, 2008, shattered the Division II national record that had stood since the 1940s, highlighting their consistent performance.
- National Recognition: The team consistently held a top-five ranking in Division II throughout the 2006-07 season, earning national acclaim for their outstanding play.
- Number One Ranking: In the 2007-08 season, “Bentley 08” reached the pinnacle, achieving the No. 1 ranking in Division II throughout the season, even ahead of their national rivals, Winona State.
A Bentley Falcons player dribbling the ball during a fast break, demonstrating the team’s offensive tempo in the 2007-2008 season.
Teamwork and Talent: The Cornerstones of Success
Remarkably, the 2006-07 team’s stellar 32-1 record was achieved without a single first-team All-Northeast-10 selection. Forwards Nate Fritsch and Jeff Holmes earned second-team honors, while point guard Yusuf Abdul-Ali was named to the third team, showcasing the team’s balanced contribution over individual accolades.
The “Bentley 08” team in 2007-08 witnessed greater individual recognition. Nate Fritsch was elevated to a first-team All-NE10 choice and earned NABC All-American honors. Lew Finnegan and future NABC Division II National Player of the Year Jason Westrol were both recognized as second-team All-NE10 players, and Yusuf Abdul-Ali again received third-team honors, highlighting the growth and talent within the team.
These two extraordinary seasons were central to a broader seven-year period of sustained excellence for the Falcons. During this era, Bentley consistently earned NCAA tournament berths annually, participated in six regional championship games within seven years (2005-11), secured five consecutive NE10 regular-season championships, made three Elite Eight appearances, and reached the national semifinal twice, establishing a dynasty in the NE10 and Division II basketball.
Bentley Falcons head coach Jay Lawson guiding his team during a game, emphasizing his long-term leadership and expertise.
Coach Lawson’s Legacy: A Foundation for Success
“It’s a long time ago now, but it was certainly a very special achievement for our program,” reflected Jay Lawson, who is currently in his 30th year as Bentley’s head coach and his 36th season with the program. “It’s honestly still a bit hard to comprehend, but those teams had a great combination of talent, leadership, discipline, mental toughness, and teamwork. The recognition is well deserved.” Coach Lawson’s insightful words encapsulate the essence of the “Bentley 08” era, attributing their success to a blend of exceptional player ability and strong team dynamics cultivated under his long-standing leadership.
The Bentley Falcons’ “Bentley 08” era remains a golden chapter in NE10 and Division II basketball history. Their sustained dominance, record-breaking streaks, and deep tournament runs serve as a benchmark for excellence and a reminder of the heights achievable through teamwork, talent, and exceptional coaching. It is a legacy that continues to inspire and stands as a monumental achievement in the landscape of college basketball.
