The Berkeley College men's basketball team picked up a pair of exhilarating victories this weekend, defeating the University of Maine at Fort Kent on Saturday on Senior Day by a score of 67-66 at the Borough of Manhattan Community College, before turning back the Panthers of Albany College of Pharmacy in Albany, NY, by a score of 83-74 in a HVIAC contest. With the two triumphs, the Knights ran their winning streak to 14 games (14-1), and have now won 25 of their last 26 games overall dating back to last season.
Prior to Saturday's game, the Berkeley College Department of Athletics took a moment to honor seniors Keenan Langston, Tasheen Carrow, and Daquan Seymour in a special ceremony. Head Coach Chris Christiansen took the microphone to say some heartfelt words about his three seniors before presenting them with commemorative plaques as a show of gratitude for their years of dedication to the Berkeley College men's basketball program.
The victory over the Bengals of the University of Maine at Fort Kent was a very emotional one for the Knights, who trailed for a majority of the game with the exception of the opening four minutes. A buzzer-beating three-point basket by Dondre Simmons clinched the win for the Knights, who hadn't been pushed to the edge of defeat since beating DeSales University 93-89 in overtime back on January 2. Less than 24 hours after knocking off the Bengals, the Knights returned to the hardwood and built a 17-point advantage over the Panthers of Albany College of Pharmacy before holding on for a nine point triumph to stay perfect in HVIAC play. Following the weekend's action, Head Coach Chris Christiansen gave his thoughts on the developments.
"This was a very successful weekend for us on many levels, and for many different reasons," Christiansen said. "First and foremost, it was very gratifying to be able to honor Keenan, Tasheen, and Daquan for their tremendous efforts for our program over the years. They are three individuals who have sacrificed so much and were all integral pieces to our National championship squad a year ago. Secondly, it was great to see us win in the fashion that we did against the Bengals, and finally – it was great to see us hold off Albany College of Pharmacy in a very crucial conference game. Our team's confidence continues to rise, and our focus has never been greater. I love this group."
Simmons nailed four three pointers – including the game-winner – in the Knights' win over the University of Maine of Fort Kent. He was tied with Stephon Jennings for the team lead in points for the day – with each standout scoring 16. Additionally, Carrow connected on five of his seven attempts from the floor to complete his afternoon with 12 points, and Langston added 11 points.
Despite the loss for the University of Maine at Fort Kent, Mauro Vicic scored a game-high 24 points, as he knocked down seven three-point baskets while also snatching three rebounds. Lowell Hall contributed with 17 points and three rebounds as well, and Rosevelt Smith finished with 12.
It was the Johnnie Green show in the Knights' big win over the Panthers, as the first-year Knight scored a team-high 18 points while hitting on eight of his 12 attempts from the floor. He also snatched five rebounds, blocked three shots, and recorded two steals in what was a very versatile effort for the youngster. Additionally, Simmons – the hero the day prior – scored 14 points while nailing three treys and Langston posted a double-double with 12 points and 12 rebounds. Malik Brown and Teyvon Bussey netted 11 and 10 points, respectively.
In a losing effort for Albany College of Pharmacy, the Panthers were paced by Brandon Votra who scored a game-high 30 points while snatching 11 rebounds. Alex Johnson added 21 points, seven rebounds, three steals, and two assists, and Thomas Chalker dropped in 17 points.
The Knights will look to make it 15 consecutive victories on Thursday evening, as Berkeley College will host Pratt Institute in a Hudson Valley Intercollegiate Athletic Conference contest. Start-time for that game is scheduled for 8:00pm.
