COBLESKILL MEN GIVE SCC ROYALS THE BLUES IN MVC OPENER 80-54

The SUNY Cobleskill men’s basketball team opened Mountain Valley Conference play in strong fashion on Tuesday night exploiting the interior defense of host Schenectady Community College on the Royals’ home court in Schenectady, NY by an 80-54 margin. Ranked twelfth in the latest NJCAA Division III National Poll the Fighting Tigers are now 5-0 on the year with a 1-0 mark in conference action.

Fighting Tiger senior power forward Anthony Armstead, Schenectady, NY, Schenectady High School, returned to his native area to score 16 points, grab eight rebounds and block four shots and senior forward Stanley Francois, Suffern, NY, Suffern High School, recorded a double/double with 11 points and 10 rebounds on the evening for Cobleskill. Freshman center Kareem Corprew, Brooklyn, NY, Grand Street High School, was also active on the inside with 10 points and seven rebounds as Fighting Tiger post players pounded the Royal defense for 46 points to go with 29 rebounds and six blocked shots on the night.

Senior point guard Harley Fuller, Gloversville, NY, Broadalbin-Perth High School, continued to direct the Fighting Tiger attack to perfection with eight points and eight assists while senior guard Darryl Burns Jr., Brooklyn, NY, Art & Design High School, continued his strong play of late with seven points and five assists. The Hudson Valley tandem of freshman guard De’Von Beaufort, Peekskill, NY, Peekskill High School, and Nyquan Bellamy, Poughkeepsie, NY, Poughkeepsie High School, also continued to impress as Beaufort scored four points, passed out three assists, grabbed three rebounds and blocked a shot with Bellamy scoring four points and passing out two assists in the contest.

“We were leading 41-19 at halftime at which point we were pretty much in control because of our ability to attack them inside and off the dribble,” said Fighting Tiger Head Coach Kevin McCarthy. “From a defensive standpoint, I think we made them uncomfortable by getting into their jump shooters, being physical and not allowing them second opportunities. If you intend to be in the hunt for the conference title in this league you have to be able to defend. We are starting to take important steps towards this goal.”

The Fighting Tigers will next be in action on Thursday November 15th when they host the Red Barons of Corning Community College as part of a men’s/women’s doubleheader with the Cobleskill women taking the floor at 5:00 PM followed by the men’s game at 7:00 PM. Admission to all SUNY Cobleskill regular season home contests is free to the general public.