FIGHTING TIGER MEN WIN SHOOTOUT OVER MOHAWK VALLEY 96-82

While most of the country waited on the results from “Super Tuesday’s” political contests, the SUNY Cobleskill men’s basketball program scored a decisive victory over visiting Mohawk Valley Community College in Mountain Valley Conference play by a comfortable 96-82 margin. The victory makes the Fighting Tigers overall record 18-3 on the season with an 8-2 tally versus conference opponents.

The Fighting Tigers shredded an aggressive gambling Mohawk defensive throughout the first half to take a 47-30 advantage into the intermission. After the Hawks opened the second half with an 11-0 run to cut the lead to 47-41 with 16:49 left in regulation; Cobleskill responded with a run of its own, to push the margin to 54-41 with 14:49 remaining. From that point, the Fighting Tiger lead did not fall under nine points the rest of the night as the teams exchanged baskets, fouls and free throws down the stretch.

“They are a dangerous offensive team that plays an aggressive, gambling style on defense,” said Fighting Tiger Head Coach Kevin McCarthy. “I was pleased with our execution during the first half and down the stretch after they made that big run to open the second half. Our depth played a major role tonight as we had foul trouble and match-up concerns which gave some other people a chance to contribute in a big way.”

Senior power forward Anthony Armstead, Schenectady, NY, Schenectady High School, scored a career of 32 points while grabbing 10 rebounds on the evening. Armstead’s former high school teammate senior swingman Brian Leadbetter, Schenectady, NY, Schenectady High School, also tossed in a career high of 23 points and passed out three assists off the bench and freshman guard Nyquan Bellamy, Poughkeepsie, NY, Poughkeepsie High School, scored 14 points in a reserve role.

Cobleskill continued to receive strong play from senior point guard Harley Fuller, Gloversville, NY, Broadalbin-Perth High School, who scored seven points, passed out 11 assists and took down four rebounds and from freshman guard Matt Williams, Mt. Kisco, NY, Fox Lane High School, who scored eight points on the evening. Freshman center/forward Rodrick Ford, Chestnut Ridge, NY, Spring Valley High School, was also important down the stretch scoring four points, taking down three rebounds and blocking a shot over the last seven minutes of the contest.

The Fighting Tigers will return to action on Thursday February 7th when they host Fulton-Montgomery Community College in Mountain Valley Conference play beginning at 7:00 PM.