FIGHTING TIGER MEN BEAT CORNING IN BASKETBALL DOGFIGHT 69-55

The SUNY Cobleskill men’s basketball team engaged in a dogfight with the visiting Red Barons of Corning Community College of the Mid-States Conference last night in the friendly confines of the Iorio Gymnasium taking a 69-55 from the determined visitors. With the victory the Fighting Tigers move their overall record to 6-0 on the season. Cobleskill is currently ranked twelfth in the latest NJCAA Division III National Poll.

Holding a 30-28 advantage at the half, Cobleskill used their trademark pressure defense and patient half court offense to move out to a 41-31 lead on a three-point field goal by senior point guard Harley Fuller, Gloversville, NY, Broadalbin-Perth High School, with 12:18 remaining. After the Red Barons had cut the lead to 52-47 with 8:37 left in regulation the Fighting Tiger defense went into overdrive going on an 11-3 run over the next four minutes to build a 63-50 lead punctuated by a steal and highlight reel slam dunk by freshman reserve center Victor Ljuljojuraj, Yorktown Heights, NY, Lakeland High School, after which the Red Barons were essentially grounded.

“We knew that Corning would play hard tonight and try to dictate the tempo of the game with their post attack,” said Fighting Tiger Head Coach Kevin McCarthy. “In the second half I think that our defense pressure took them out of their offense and created turnovers that led to easy opportunities for us. This was an important win because it will be indicative of the type of games that we are going to be involved in the Mountain Valley Conference.”

Freshman guard Matt Williams, Mt. Kisco, NY, Fox Lane High School, led the team in scoring with 17 points to go with five rebounds while senior power forward Anthony Armstead, Schenectady, NY, Schenectady High School, posted a 13 point, seven rebound and four blocked shot outing. Harley Fuller also played a major role in the win with 10 points, nine assists and eight rebounds from the point.

Cobleskill also once again displayed a diversified all-around attack as senior forward Stanley Francois, Suffern, NY, Suffern High School, scored eight points to go with three rebounds, Victor Ljulojuraj had six points and three rebounds and freshman guard Nyquan Bellamy, Poughkeepsie, NY, Poughkeepsie High School, added five points and two rebounds. Freshman swingman Zaire Thomas, Ossining, NY, Ossining High School, also scored five points in extended minutes of play for the Orange & Black.

The Fighting Tigers will next return to Mountain Valley Conference action on Tuesday November 20th when they travel to Hudson, NY, to meet the Twins of Columbia-Greene Community College beginning at 7:00 PM.