Jan 18, 2014
OLD WESTBURY, NY (www.OLDWESTBURYPANTHERS.com) - The SUNY College at Old Westbury men's basketball team was defeated by the Mount Saint Mary Knights on Saturday afternoon at home by the score of 70-69. The game, which was a Skyline Conference contest, had major ramifications, as the Panthers fall to 9-6 on the season (5-3 Skyline) while the Knights improve to 11-4 (7-1 Skyline).
Although the game was tightly contested in the initial ten minutes, it opened up in the Panthers' favor at 9:11, when a three-pointer by Floyd Leroy sprung a 19-6 run over the course of the next seven minutes that saw Old Westbury compile a 14-point lead—the largest of the game. The Panthers would eventually carry a 12-point lead (40-28) into halftime.The Panthers and Knights swapped the second half's opening points, but a 12-3 run by Mount Saint Mary allowed the visitors to tie the game at 43 at 15:04. Old Westbury fought back, winning eight of the next 10 points and reestablished a six-point lead. It wouldn't be enough, though, for the home side, as they conceded the next six points and allowed the Knights to tie the game for the sixth time. The teams would trade points for the remaining nine minutes, and even shared the lead another four times. But it was Mount Saint Mary that took the lead with 2:38 remaining and never looked back. At the final buzzer, it was the visitors up 70-69.
The game, which was tightly contested in all areas, saw the Knights edge the Panthers in points in the paint (30-22), second-chance points (16-12) and fast break points (12-7).
Leading the way for Old Westbury was freshman Mark Gjonlekaj, who tied a career- and season-high in points (22) and blocks (5). The center also led the Panthers in rebounds (8).
Omari Trebuse also pitched in with 11 points, while Ray Parker and Floyd Leroy added 16 and 12 respectively.
The Knights leaned on Joe Stabach, who went 7-14 from three-point range and compiled 22 points. Chris Piscotta registered a double-double, collecting 20 points and 11 rebounds.
SAGE GATORS UP NEXT FOR THE PANTHERS: Old Westbury continues its conference campaign on Saturday (January 25) when they host the Sage Gators in Old Westbury, New York. Tip-off is set for 3 p.m. inside Clark Athletic Center.
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