COBLESKILL, NEW YORK
It seems as if with every win, the UMPI Men continue to make history. They are now on a five-game winning streak dating back to the final game of the first semester and have swept their NAC West New York series. It took five extra minutes to do it, but the Owls earned the hard-fought win over the SUNY Cobleskill Fighting Tigers, and with it make history. UMPI is now 12-3 for the first time since the 1973-1974 season when names like Chuck Underwood, Eddie Marshall, and Paul Bouchard ruled the hardwood.
How it Happened:
The Owls began the game like they have so many times as of recent, on am absolute tear. They scored the first eight points prompting a Cobleskill timeout before surrendering their first bucket, and then continued on to lead 16-4 at one point. The Tigers would fight back however and win the next few minutes to cut it to two points at 23-21. UMPI didn't roll over and ended the half strong on a run of their own to take a 39-30 halftime lead.
In the second half made a swift push to get back into it again, and even took their first lead at 47-46 four minutes into the half. The Owls once again made a run and continued the pattern of runs by taking back the slim lead. UMPI held a 68-63 lead going into the final minute. Their opportune free throws they made too, but Cobleskill amazingly was able to tie the game with a clutch three-pointer from Chrischen Chung that tied the game with 8.7 seconds left. UMPI made two great bids to tie the game at the buzzer but both shots agonizingly clanked off the rim, sending the game into Overtime.
Despite allow Cobleskill back into it, the Owls played from ahead in Overtime. Two quick layups set the tone and gave the Owls a 74-70 lead. The Tigers once again came from behind however and tied it at 74 with two layups of their own. UMPI made another mini run to go up 78-74, but another clutch three by Chrischen Chung made it a one-point game with 28 seconds remaining. Free throws came up huge for UMPI at the end of regulation, and in Overtime they made just enough to keep their advantage. Ultimately with 1.7 seconds left, the Owls played smart defense on the last second three attempt to tie it. The Owls hung on for the overtime victory, earning every bit of the 80-77 win. The Owls scored right on their average on the year despite making just two three-pointers as a team. They showcased some serious toughness in grinding out their 12th win.
Top Performers:
It was another hero for UMPI on this night, as Dwaine Williams rose to the top of the scoring column with 21 points. Despite going 1-5 with the three-ball, Williams showed his versatility by playing well inside too. He went 8-18 from the field overall, and 4-5 from the line. Saquan Carswell came up big too for UMPI inside, with 17 points and 13 big rebounds. The UMPI backcourt of Akhe McMichael and Myles Jones each had 11 points. McMichael was huge at the free-throw line, going 7 for 8 on the day.
Next Up:
UMPI improves to 12-3 overall, making history in the process, but more importantly, 4-1 in league play. The Owls will bring it on home for a six-game home stand beginning this Sunday, January 19th when they host Vermont State University Lyndon for a 2 p.m. start.
