CONTACT: R. Sean Coffey, (518) 629-7898, r.coffey@hvcc.edu
FOR RELEASE: Immediate, Saturday, Jan. 23, 2010
The Hudson Valley Community College men's basketball team (11-7) fell in a valiant effort to Herkimer County Community College on Saturday, Jan. 23, 63-60, in overtime. Herkimer is currently ranked third in the NJCAA, Division III poll.
Hudson Valley and Herkimer clashed in a very physical matchup that saw the halftime score at only 20-19 in the Viking's advantage. Hudson Valley's Ramel Alexander (Berkshire, Albany) had 10 points in the first half. The second half included seven lead changes and four ties before the contest had to go to the extra period with the score 48-48. A huge three by freshman point guard, Anthony Robustiano (Mohonasen, Schenectady), put the Vikings on the board first, 51-48. Herkimer quickly countered and tied the game at 53-53 with relentless work on the offensive boards. Alexander then put the Vikings back up a basket with a beautiful drive to the cup. Herkimer once again answered with a three ball and regained the lead and followed that with a steal and score with 2:29 remaining. With the lead in Herkimer's hands, 58-55, the Generals connected on free-throws and grabbed yet another huge offensive rebound off their own missed foul shot. That helped seal the game for the Generals who walked away with the 63-60 overtime win.
Alexander led the way for Hudson Valley with 17 points and six assists. Recent addition, Carlos Pellot-Rivera (Carmel, Carmel) added 14 points, 10 rebounds and five blocks. Matt Harte (Lansingburgh, Troy) added 12 points.
The Vikings will be back on the hardwood Tuesday, Jan. 26 when they host Adirondack Community College at 7 p.m.