The CACC and ECC playoff pictures are still cloudy after a busy Wednesday. However, we begin this recap with a meaningless game in the standings, though a very poignant one in regard to regional history:
NYIT 106 LIU POST 73
After 62 seasons, LIU Post – formerly C.W. Post – played its final men’s basketball game Wednesday night, ironically ending a proud winning tradition with a winless season against neighboring rival New York Institute of Technology at Recreation Hall in the final “Battle of the Boulevard.” With the school and most of its athletics programs being absorbed by LIU Brooklyn, this final season was tarnished by that parent organization’s disingenuous administrative tactics and ensuing athletics department chaos that instigated mass defections and a skeletal roster that retained only one scholarship player. To the game itself, the Pioneers gave it the old college try, opening with a 17-9 lead before the wheels fell off and NYIT embarked on a 35-9 blitz to take control at 46-26 with just over four minutes to play in the half. With former head coach and current Iona mentor Tim Cluess on hand, LIU Post was still within striking distance at 60-46 six-and-a-half minutes into the second half before a Kieran Hamilton 3-pointer triggered a 12-2 run and put the Bears in a 72-48 comfort zone; the margin eventually maxing out at 106-70 before Kendell Ogilvie (eight points, eight rebounds) nailed a left-wing 3-pointer for the program’s final basket, capping the game's scoring and becoming an eternal footnote in regional hoops annals. Hamilton – whose father was fired as NYIT head coach last week – emotionally finished his amateur career with a personal-best 31-point performance and six steals, leading six Bears in double figures as they ended a similarly forgettable season on a positive note, snapping a 10-game slide and handing interim coach Evan Conti his first collegiate victory. Brandon Redendo added 20 points (7-10 FG, 4-5 from 3-point land) off the bench for the winners, who also saw Collins Onyeike flirt with a quadruple-double: (15 points, 14 rebounds, career-high eight rebounds, career-best eight blocked shots). Belmin Purisic (11 points off the bench), Laurynas Stonkus (10 points, seven rebounds) and Kyonis Owens (10 points, 10 boards, five rejections) also reached double digits for NYIT, which outshot its rivals (51%-26%), especially from beyond the arc (17-36 to 10-31) while also amassing 17 of the game’s 18 blocks and 29 of the 38 assists. Alonzo Ortiz-Traylor racked up 35 points (4-8 from 3) and 13 rebounds to once again pace the Pioneers, securing the regional scoring title (#4 in D2) and claiming the highest points per game average in school history at 27.8, topping Michael Hammond’s 24.1 mark in 1986-87.
At 0-25, LIU Post becomes the first regional team to disband since fellow ECC and Long Island school Dowling closed up shop in 2016 – its last game being played EXACTLY THREE YEARS to the day, on February 27 of that year – a 102-76 loss to St. Thomas Aquinas. For the record, the Pioneers’ last victory came in the penultimate game of last season – an 86-80 home triumph over Roberts Wesleyan on February 25, 2018.
In going 0-25 this winter, Erik Smiles’ Pioneers – who played their hearts out right up to the bitter end – became the region’s first team without a win since fellow ECC foe Mercy went 0-27 during the 2008-09 season. Prior to that, Concordia (0-26 in 1999-2000) and Assumption (0-27 in 1993-94) also achieved that dubious distinction.
ST. THOMAS AQUINAS 75 QUEENS 66
There were plenty of games Wednesday with intrinsic meaning in regard to the playoff chases. In Flushing, Sekou Cisse churned out 20 points on 8-of-12 shooting and Osbel Caraballo added 17 to lead St. Thomas Aquinas past Queens for its sixth straight victory and remain tied for second atop the ECC ladder, a half-game behind idle Daemen. The Spartans – who also landed Demetre Roberts in twin figures with 12 points (4-5 FG) – led from start to finish, using a 25-9 burst over the last 11:14 of the first half in extending a modest 16-14 lead to 41-23 after a buzzer-beating 8-footer in the lane by Caraballo. STAC was still ahead 56-42 with just over eight minutes left when the Knights used a 20-10 spell to make things interesting, narrowing their arrears to 66-62 following a corner trey by Tyrese Crosdale (20 points off the bench) with 2:31 remaining. They would get no closer, however, as the Spartans converted seven of eight at the line over the last 49 seconds to seal the deal. Elijah Bovell pitched in with 17 points and four assists in a reserve role for Queens, whose backups outscored the starting five by a whopping 52-14 count. Both teams shot it well (STAC 51%, QC 46%), though Aquinas was more efficient from distance (5-10 to 6-23) and boasted the stronger assist-turnover ratio (13/8 to 11/17), offsetting its hosts’ 33-27 rebounding edge. The Knights remain tied with UDC for the sixth and final playoff berth heading into their showdown in Washington Saturday. If they win, they're in. Mercy is also in the picture, a half-game behind the pair prior to its season-ending Western New York swing. A Mavericks sweep of Daemen and Roberts Wesleyan gets the Mavs into the tourney, regardless of Saturday’s Queens-UDC result.
MOLLOY 78 DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA 72
Curtis Jenkins compiled 29 points (15-19 FT), seven rebounds and four steals, powering Molloy past District of Columbia at Quealy Gym for its fourth straight win, maintaining its tie with STAC for second (those two square off in Sparkill Saturday), a half game behind idle Daemen. A 16-0 spree – punctuated by a Jenkins dunk – transformed an 18-14 deficit into a 30-18 lead and the Lions never looked back, although the game remained close most of the second stanza. A 15-3 upswing stretched a 44-41 advantage to 59-44 following a lay-up by Mike Torre (13 points, nine rebounds) before the Firebirds countered with a 12-3 spurt to slash the deficit down to 62-56 on a Kevin Cox bucket with 5:42 on the clock. Nick Corbett dropped a baker’s dozen in a rare reserve role for Molloy, which dominated at the line (23-34 to 9-15) and on the break (12-0), neutralizing UDC’s more prolific 3-point shooting (11-31 to 5-14). Cox compiled 17 points and 10 rebounds to pace the Firebirds. He was flanked by Kerry Kirkwood (14 points, five assists) and Zachary Olukanni (12 points, six caroms). UDC would punch its playoff ticket with a home win vs. Queens Saturday, coupled with a Mercy loss at either Daemen or Roberts Wesleyan this weekend.
HOLY FAMILY 82 WILMINGTON 66
The only moderate surprise from the CACC precincts came from the Complex, where Holy Family pulled away from Wilmington in a battle for third in the South Division, avenging a December home loss in the process. Branden Aughburns produced 24 points (12-15 FG), six rebounds and four blocks, while receiving strong support from Patrick Robinson (23 points, 9-15 FG, 11 boards, four assists) and Vincenzo Dalessandro (20 points, six rebounds, five assists, five steals) as the Tigers rode a 20-5 wave over the last six minutes of the first half – culminating in a buzzer-beating lay-up by Aughburns – to erase a 25-18 deficit and take a 38-30 lead into the locker room. The Wildcats – who were spearheaded by Thomas Farrior’s 22-point outing – pulled within 45-42 five-and-a-half minutes into the final frame before a Dalessandro free throw innocently kicked off a 35-17 power run that put the visitors in complete control at 80-59 with 2:32 to go. Jordan Harding registered 14 points and 11 rebounds for the Cats, who also benefited from Danny Walsh (10 points, five assists) and Jermaine Head, who stuffed the stat sheet with nine points, 12 rebounds, and seven helpers. Holy Family – which can clinch second place and a home playoff berth with a season-ending home win vs. Jefferson Saturday coupled with a Goldey-Beacom home loss to crosstown rival Wilmington – was the superior shooting club (49%-37%) and flexed its muscle in the paint (50-28). The Wildcats – who can still finish third with a win at Goldey-Beacom and Holy Family loss to Jefferson – were better at the stripe (8-8 to 5-12) and snatched one more rebound (44-43), though it wasn’t enough to dent the scoreboard.
JEFFERSON 86 CHESTNUT HILL 81
South Division champion Jefferson won a dogfight from upstart Philly rival Chestnut Hill in East Falls. A tug-of-war that featured six ties and 17 lead changes, the Griffins got off to a rare strong start, forging the game’s largest spread at 13-4. The Rams battled back and surged in front 62-55 just over six minutes into the second half before their guests initiated a 21-10 run, jumping back in front 76-72 on a Liban Awl triple with 5:57 to play. After both teams exchanged foul shots, the hosts were down 77-73 with three-and-a-half minutes left before closing out the contest with a 13-4 flourish, grabbing the lead for good at 82-81 on a Kylan Guerra lay-up with 90 seconds remaining. After Ed McWade (13 points, six rebounds) just missed a go-ahead 3-ball, Deondre Bourne (15 points in 40 minutes) delivered the knockout punch with a dagger three at the 50-second mark, as the home crowd breathed a sigh of relief at 85-81. Devaughn Mallory led five in double figures with 24 points (10-18 FG) and 14 rebounds in 40 minutes for Jefferson, which also received key contributions from Josh Bradanese (16 points, six boards), Guerra (15 points, six assists without taking a break) and Alexander Gorton (10 points off the bench). Trevonn Pitts was high man for Chestnut Hill with a personal-best 23 points (9-14 FG, 5-5 from deep), followed by fellow freshman Keyon Butler (15 points in reserve duty) and Awl (12), though it wasn’t enough to prevent an 18th consecutive loss. Both teams were identical in shooting (51%-51%) and rebounding (34-34) while posting positive assist-turnover lines (JU 16/5, CHC 11/8). The difference was free-throw shooting as the Rams converted 16 of 21 and the Griffins just five of eight. Jefferson will host Felician in the first round of the CACC Tournament next Tuesday.
GOLDEY-BEACOM 89 GEORGIAN COURT 52
Marcellus Livingston erupted for 26 of his 29 points (10-17 FG, 6-10 from long range) in the second half while corralling nine rebounds, piloting Goldey-Beacom to a blowout victory over Georgian Court at the Wellness Center. A 16-5 flurry over the final 8:18 of the first half widened a 14-12 lead to 30-17, and a 25-4 barrage upon the restart (41-9 overall run) ballooned the margin to 55-21 after a pair of Corey Taite freebies at the 12:16 mark. The margin crested at an eye-popping 82-38 following a Livingston triple with 5:02 to go as the Lightning moved within one game of clinching second in the South and the home playoff game that accompanies it. Taite registered 24 points (16-16 FT) and five steals for the victors, who also placed Mahir Johnson (17 bench points) in double digits. Caleb Bowser was the lone bright spot for the Lions with 19 points (also 11 turnovers) as his team shot a frigid 34% from the floor and was punished, 42-7, off of a whopping 32 turnovers (GBC only committed 10) in falling for a fifth consecutive time. A Goldey home win over Wilmington or Holy Family home loss to Jefferson secures second place.
BLOOMFIELD 90 POST 82
Bloomfield remarkably captured its ninth North Division crown in the CACC’s 12 years of divisional play, holding off Post in Waterbury for its ninth straight triumph. It didn’t start very promisingly for the Bears, who fell into a 21-9 hole before steadying the ship and entering the halftime break down just one at 46-45. The final period was distinguished by several lead changes and mini-runs as Bloomfield used a 17-7 rush to open up a 70-61 lead, only to see the Eagles equalize thanks to a 10-1 flurry with eight-and-a-half minutes to play. It was an 82-80 Bears advantage inside of the two-minute warning when a Matt Lajeunesse lay-up sparked an 8-2, game-ending spurt; his teammates converting six straight at the stripe to ice the result. Kavione Green paved the way for the visitors with 30 points (11-16 FG) and eight rebounds. He was supported by Lajeunesse (16 points, 11 rebounds), Rich Chapman (15 points, six boards) and Dontay Julius (13 points) as Bloomfield sank three times as many foul shots (18-23 to 6-8) and dominated in the paint (42-22). Tyshon Rogers fronted the Post attack with 27 points, six rebounds and four assists, followed by Isaiah Holmes (14 points, 4-6 from 3) and D.J. Jarrett (12 points despite 4-of-18 shooting).
DOMINICAN 92 FELICIAN 58
Dominican still has a leg up in the race for second after demolishing Felician at the Hennessy Center. All 14 Chargers scored at least one field goal, with Ian Gardener (19 points), Tavon Ginyard (17 off the bench) and DJ Rodwell (15, including 3-of-4 from downtown Orangeburg) leading the cavalry. The hosts only trailed once (2-0) before sprinting out to leads of 38-15, 56-29 and 79-41 en route to the finish line. Zamir Wright recorded 17 points and four steals for the Golden Falcons, who also received 13 bench points from Aziz Parker and 10 from Jay’von Jackson. Dominican was the much more accurate shooting team (55%-31%), especially from beyond the arc (11-23 to 4-21) while dishing out 24 of the game’s 33 assists and feasting off turnovers to the tune of 28-12. The Chargers will clinch second and a home playoff berth with a home win vs. archrival Nyack Saturday or a Caldwell loss at Bloomfield. Felician is locked into the four slot and will play at Jefferson in Tuesday’s playoff opener.
CALDWELL 73 CONCORDIA 66
Make it nine straight for surging Caldwell, which clipped Concordia in North Jersey to remain a game back of second. A.J. Kittles garnered 20 points, seven rebounds and four assists to guide the Cougars, who trailed only one time (18-17) before seizing the reins on the strength of an 18-2 run that spanned the halves, beefing up a 32-30 lead to 50-32 following a Kittles lay-in with 14:27 on the clock. The Clippers – who have dropped five straight and have now gone 32 consecutive seasons without a winning record – never gave up, using a 20-7 upswing to draw within 57-52 inside of the seven-minute mark. They got within a single possession at 67-64 after two Cedric McFadden free throws with 1:47 left, but Ned Ogoemesim (14 points, 11 rebounds) came through with a big lay-up 20 seconds later to provide a little breathing room as Caldwell kept its guests at arm’s length down the stretch. Ahmad Harrison chipped in with 10 points, eight rebounds and five steals for the Cougars, who fared better from long distance (7-17 to 6-27), made twice as many foul shots (16-26 to 8-11) and won the glass (40-29), negating a near-fatal 27-13 deficiency in turnover points. Mike Demello (13 points) and McFadden (12) were the top threats for the Clippers. A Caldwell win at Bloomfield, paired with a Dominican home loss to Nyack would give the Cougars second. Otherwise, they’ll snag the three seed.
RANK AND FILE
The second round of regional rankings has been released, reflecting all the action through last Sunday. Here’s how they stack up, with last week’s ranks in parentheses:
- St. Anselm (1)
- Daemen (2)
- New Haven (3)
- Le Moyne (5)
- Merrimack (4)
- St. Thomas Aquinas (7)
- Adelphi (8)
- Bentley (6)
- Bloomfield (NR)
- Jefferson (9)
Dropped Out: Dominincan