Riverdale, N.Y. - The men's basketball team took the floor back at Peter Jay Sharp Center for the first time since their devastating loss to Farmingdale a week ago. A bounce back win is what they were after and they could not get it done. Despite a surge in the second half, the Gryphons held on to knock off the Dolphins 77-65.
Sarah Lawrence came ready to play for the Dolphins in the opening frame, going on a 19-7 run over the first seven minutes of the half. The Gryphons shoot 43% from the field in the first half which led to their success. Aside from the strong shooting they got to the free throw line 18 time and converted 16 of them. That proved to be the difference in the first half but recently named Skyline Conference Rookie of the week
Kalos Evans kept the Dolphins in it with his three-point shooting. The freshmen hit three of five attempts and ended the first half with 11 points. CMSV only converted one other three despite attempting 16 first half three balls. Throughout the season the second half has been a strong point and that's what was needed this evening.
A hot start is just what the Dolphins got in the second half as they came out on fire. Two huge three balls from
Vinny Tavella got the Dolphins going and sparked a 14-1 run which tied the contest at 39 a piece early in the second half. But this run seemed to have got the Gryphons going as they were playing inspired basketball, getting the paint and getting to the foul line often. The Gryphons would eventually extend their lead to 65-50 with six minutes remaining in the game. The game never was in doubt after that. The Gryphons got to the line 43 times compared to the Dolphins who only got to the line 30 times. Despite the foul shooting discrepancy CMSV shot a season low 23% from the field. It is hard to win any basketball game when your shots are not falling. It was a tough one to swallow for the men but they will need short term memory as they take on Purchase in two days.
CMSV will now be hosting Purchase on Thursday January 17 after the unforeseen postponement this weekend. The team is hungry for a win and will now start to fight for their playoff lives. CMSV sits at an overall record of 5-10 and a Skyline Conference record of 4-6.