CONTACT: Adam Sopris, a.sopris@hvcc.edu, 518-629-7898 or 518-416-2137
FOR RELEASE: Immediate, Saturday, January 25, 2020
The Hudson Valley men's basketball team nearly pulled off the upset of No. 12 Herkimer this afternoon inside the McDonough Sports Complex on the campus of Hudson Valley Community College, but the defending champions, Herkimer prevailed late to secure the 76-69 win over the Vikings.
The Vikings (12-6) managed to keep the game close for the entire game and eventually tied the game at 61-61 with 4:25 remaining in the game. Herkimer (13-5) pushed back out in front, but the Vikings stayed close, pulling within one score again.
Then a series off three straight missed field goals for Hudson Valley, which were matched with four straight points by Herkimer kept the game out of reach for the Vikings.
Leading the way for Hudson Valley was freshman forward Brandon McKenly, who finished the game with a team-high 15 points. McKenly scored 13 of his points in the second half of the game and he also tallied 10 rebounds, four blocks and three steals.
Iziah Pigott also played well for the Vikings as they attempted to defeat Herkimer for the third consecutive season. Pigott scored 14 points and added four rebounds to go with game-high eight assists and seven steals in 35 minutes of action.
Freshman Daivel Jackson played the post and defended well as he solidified the Vikings last line of defense with a game-high six blocks. Jackson also tallied 10 points and grabbed four boards.
As a team, the Vikings shot 37 percent from the floor, 30 percent from behind the three-point arc and 76 percent from the free throw line (19-25).
The exciting ending to the game only highlighted and added to an already tremendous day as the College celebrated its annual Community Day. Special guest and American Idol finalist, Madison VanDenburg performed the National Anthem as held a meet and greet with fans. The day also featured free admission, free food and free ice skating during the fun filled afternoon in the McDonough Sports Complex.
The Vikings are back in action tomorrow as they travel to take on Broome at 3 p.m.