CONTACT: Adam Sopris, a.sopris@hvcc.edu, (518) 629-7898 or (518) 416-2137
FOR RELEASE: Immediate, Saturday, January 20, 2024
The Hudson Valley Community College men's basketball team pushed the No. 3 ranked Herkimer Generals to the brink but ultimately the Vikings were defeated 86-72 on Saturday afternoon at the McDonough Sports Complex on the campus of HVCC.
The Vikings played one of its best halves of the season as they took a 41-36 advantage into the halftime break. As a team, they shot 51 percent from the floor on 17-of-33 and 4-of-7 from behind the three-point arc, leading to the quick start against the nationally-ranked Generals. Leading the way in the first half was Keyaton Parks, who finished with 10 points and Bo Catherwood drilled two corner three-point shots to keep the momentum in favor of the Vikings, who held a lead for the majority of the opening half. Parks fouled out of the game but not before he accumulated 14 points and nine rebounds.
With the game tied at 52-52, Herkimer pushed ahead with a 6-0 run. As Herkimer regained the lead, they were able to maintain a five-point advantage for the next two minutes before Hudson Valley responded with back-to-back buckets, cutting into Herkimer's lead and trailed 62-59 with 9:11 remaining in the game.
With 8:19 remaining, Korey Hawkins converted two free throws to pull Hudson Valley within one point. A steal by Rowan Swan on the immediate Herkimer possession led to a James Blake II fast break layup and the Vikings jumped back on top of the nationally-ranked Generals 65-64 with 7:45 remaining. Blake finished with a team-high 20 points and added five rebounds and two assists.
Herkimer and Hudson Valley continued to trade baskets with multiple lead changes between the two Region 3 rivals. Later in the game, Herkimer managed to extend its lead and maintained its lead for the remaining four minutes of the game to secure the road win.
The men's basketball team is back in action tomorrow, Sunday, January 21 when they travel to play SUNY Adirondack at 12 p.m. in Queensbury, NY.