By Zach Braster '20
KEUKA PARK, N.Y. — The Keuka College Men's Basketball team won their home opener on Saturday at the JMW Recreation and Athletics Center, defeating Pitt.-Bradford 80-64.
The Keuka College Wolves would have a day from beyond the arc, sinking thirteen threes and shooting just over 37% from deep. Elijah Smalls (Rome, N.Y./Rome Free Academy) would lead the way for Keuka, draining four of his attempts past the three-point line which accounted for 12 of his team-leading 18 points on the day.
The game would start slow, but the Wolves would take an early 9-4 lead thanks to a couple of big three pointers from Elijah Smalls and Alex Medellin (Mesa, A.Z./Desert Ridge). After a quick 11-3 run by the Panthers, the Wolves would strike back, finally retaking the lead on a huge three-point play from freshman guard Devin Milton (Opelousas, L.A./Beau Chene).
Late in the first half, with the Panthers again leading 35-34, the Wolves Matthew Ciezki (Lancaster, N.Y./Saint Mary's) would knock down a three from the corner to put Keuka College back in front 37-35. Keuka would finish the half leading 40-35, shooting 40% from the field and 30% from beyond the arc, as DJ Billings (Rochester, N.Y. / Greece Odyssey) hit a three at the buzzer.
The Panthers' Nick Carmichael looked to take the game into his own hands, scoring 11 of their first 13 points in the second half, pushing the score to 50-48, but the Wolves remained ahead. The Green and Gold rebounded with a 12-2 run to expand their lead to 10 points with 11 minutes left in the second half. The Wolves wouldn't let that lead slip one bit as they held on to win the game 80-64.
The Men's Basketball team will play once more before heading home for Thanksgiving when they travel to Hilbert College next Saturday.