Sunday, February 15, 2009

Binghamton Controls Fate After Win Over Boston U.

D.J. Rivera scored 20 points to help Binghamton build a double-digit advantage and hold off Boston University for a thrilling 60-59 win at Case Gym Saturday. The victory moves the Bearcats (17-8, 10-3 AE) into a first-place tie with Vermont in the league standings. Binghamton, who has contests with Hartford, New Hampshire and UMBC remaining on its schedule, can lock up no less than a share of the regular-season title and the top-seed for the America East Championship. With that top seed comes the right to host the league title game should the Bearcats advance through the semifinals and an automatic NIT bid should they stumble in the conference tourney. The Terriers, paced by 20 points from Scott Brittain, fought back from a 17-point late first half deficit and led 59-58 with less than a minute remaining, but the Bearcats' Chretian Lukusa caught a pass on the left block and laid the ball in with 36 seconds left. Boston's Corey Lowe, who shot just 2-of-15 on the day but had 6 rebounds and 6 assists, had two looks to win it, including a 12-foot runner in the lane as time expired.

Also yesterday, the defending champs won their third straight once again behind the performance of senior point guard Jay Greene. Greene, who was coming off a 36 point effort against UNH Tuesday, scored 22 points and hit 5-of-6 threes, to lead UMBC to an 80-63 win at Hartford, the team's third straight victory. Darryl Proctor added 20 and Chauncey Gilliam contributed 18 points and 7 boards.

On Sunday, Albany looks to rebound from its 4-game losing streak at home against New Hampshire 2 and Vermont hosts Stony Brook on its senior day at 1.