CONTACT: Adam Sopris, a.sopris@hvcc.edu, (518) 629-7898 or (518) 416-2137
FOR RELEASE: Immediate, Tuesday, January 23, 2024

The Hudson Valley Community College men's basketball team's comeback effort came up short as they were defeated 61-57 by North Country at the McDonough Sports Complex on the campus of HVCC on Tuesday evening.

North Country jumped out to a strong start within the first five minutes of the game, outscoring the Vikings 13-4. Hudson Valley recovered nicely and entered the halftime break trailing 34-27. In the first half the Vikings shot 34 percent from the floor and the North Country Saints shot 39 percent, with both programs combining for 45 missed field goals in the half. Keyaton Parks led all scorers in the opening half, scoring 14 points on 7-of-10 from the floor and added seven rebounds.

In the second half, The Vikings and Saints traded baskets for the majority of the half with the Vikings unable to cut into the seven-point first half deficit. With seven minutes remaining in the game, North Country

Ian Fisher-Layton hit a three-pointer, followed by a James Blake II fast-break layup put momentum back with the Vikings, resulting from back-to-back North Country. Parks connected on one-of-two free throws and the Vikings trailed by one point with 90 seconds remaining.

North Country converted on a pair of late game free throws to take a four-point lead with 25 seconds remaining in the game and was able to hold on to the lead, securing the 61-57 win.

The Vikings return to the court this weekend, Saturday, January 27 when they travel to take on Cayuga in Auburn, NY. The game is scheduled for a 3 p.m. start, immediately following the conclusion of the women's game at 1 p.m.