The only regional game on Monday was a crossover clash between a couple of Connecticut clubs. Here’s how it all shook out:
BRIDGEPORT 72 NEW HAVEN 64
Kyle Benjamin racked up 18 points (8-12 FG), 10 rebounds and two blocked shots in 39 minutes, leading Bridgeport past I-95 foe New Haven at Charger Gym in the two former NECC and NYCAC rivals’ first meeting in nine seasons. A 43-18 blitz spanning the halves was the story of the game as the Purple Knights transformed a 21-12 deficit midway through the first half into a 55-39 cushion roughly 20 minutes later. The Chargers – who were powered by another double-double from NE10 Rookie of the Week Kessly Felizor (19 points, 8-12 FG, 13 boards) – trimmed the deficit to 67-62 just inside the final minute following a free throw by Danny Upchurch (10 points), but the visitors nailed five out of six at the stripe to push the lead back to double digits (72-62) and nail it shut. Sam Joseph (six rebounds) and Montana Mayfield (3-4 from long range) each contributed 14 points for Bridgeport (the latter off the bench), while Marc Campbell chipped in with 13 points, seven rebounds and three steals in his second straight start. Roy Kane, Jr. produced 13 points (5-7 FG) for New Haven, which was outshot (47%-39%) and was less efficient from beyond the arc (3-17 compared to UB’s 7-17). Most of the other stats were eerily even, including rebounding (36-36), free throw makes (11-11), assists (11-11) and turnovers (11-11). This was the penultimate crossover game in the region this regular season (Georgian Court at St. Thomas Aquinas is the last on February 18) and just the 12th win in 37 match-ups for the ECC vs. the NE10.