CONCORD, N.H - Men's basketball came up short in back-to-back matchups against Vermont State University Randolph and Central Maine Community College to kick off 2026.

On Tuesday, the Lynx traveled to Vermont State University Randolph, battling through stretches of competitive play before Randolph pulled away late. The Lynx kept the game within reach for much of the first half, trading baskets and responding to early Randolph runs with timely scores and defensive stops.

NHTI briefly seized momentum midway through the opening half when a defensive stop led to a fast-break opportunity, cutting the deficit to single digits. However, Randolph closed the half on a strong run, capitalizing on turnovers and perimeter shooting to regain separation.

In the second half, NHTI continued to compete, stringing together stops to keep the game tight. A late push narrowed the gap, but Randolph answered with consecutive possessions to pull away, 88-68.

AJ Richardson (22) and Max Shosa (17) combined for 39 points in the loss. 

Against Central Maine CC on Thursday, the Lynx fell 92–66 despite a strong second-half push after a difficult opening 20 minutes. CMCC established control early, using efficient interior scoring and second-chance opportunities to build a 48–25 halftime advantage.

The visitors opened the game with a quick surge, scoring on six of their first eight possessions as NHTI struggled to find rhythm offensively. Central Maine consistently attacked the paint, converting rebounds into putbacks and drawing fouls to keep the scoreboard moving. NHTI, meanwhile, went cold from long range in the opening half, shooting just 2-for-18 from three-point territory.

NHTI regrouped after the break and delivered its best stretch of basketball midway through the second half. AJ Richardson sparked the run by attacking downhill, scoring 13 of his 15 points after halftime. A pair of Richardson free throws, followed by a transition finish from Max Shosa, trimmed the deficit and briefly injected energy into the Lynx bench.

Ezekiel McCoy added momentum with back-to-back three-pointers early in the second half, while Mossyah Nembhard contributed on both ends with steals and perimeter shooting.

Shosa and Richardson paced the Lynx with 15 points apiece, while Tijae Julien facilitated the offense with four assists. CMCC was led by Khaden Moore, who scored 21 points, and controlled the glass, helping the Mustangs secure a 58-35 rebounding advantage.