Panthers Lose in Opening Round of NYU Christmas Tournament
December 29, 2006
NEW YORK, N.Y.-In the opening round of the NYU Christmas Tournament on Friday, SUNY Old Westbury men's basketball team lost with a score of 88-55.
At the NYU Coles Sports Center the Panthers jumped out to an early 9-5 lead just moments into the first half. The Violets of NYU (8-0) reacted and went on a 12-0 run giving them the 34-19 lead heading into half-time over the Panthers. Old Westbury shot 7-of-34 (20.6%) from the field and 1-of-7 from three-point land in the first half.
The Panthers were led by their backcourt duo, Kenneth Eusey who scored 12 points and 2 steals (team-high) and Ian Johnson's 10 points, 7 rebounds (team-high), four assists (team-high), one block and one steal. Dan Kane and Joshua Frazier combined for 17 points on 8-for-16 shooting, four rebounds, two blocks and two steals.
But the Panthers couldn't match the fire power of the Violets, as the second half was dominated by NYU. They outscored Old Westbury 51-36. The Panthers were out-rebounded 54-27. They improved their shooting second half, going 14-of-29 (48.3%) from the field, but the Violets could not be contained. They shot 21-of-36 (58.3%).
The Violets were led by a pair of seniors, Daniel Falcon and Jason Boone, who both recorded double-doubles. Falcon finished with 16 points and 12 rebounds. Boone scored 14 points and led his team with 13 rebounds, four assists, two blocks and two steals.
Next up for the Panthers is day two at the NYU Christmas Tournament against Baruch College (3-6 overall, 1-1) CUNYAC) on Saturday at the Coles Sports Center in Manhattan. Tip-off is slated for 2:00 PM. For more information about the Old Westbury Panthers, log onto http://www.oldwestburypanthers.com/, to follow your favorite sports and events.