December 9, 2006
OLD WESTBURY, N.Y.- Discipline and hard work proved to be the key as Old Westbury men's basketball team broke open a close game midway through the second half to beat Centenary College.
Freshman Joshua Frazier scored a career high 23 points and 12 rebounds to help the Panthers (3-2 Overall, 2-1 Skyline) to a 71-63 win Saturday.
Old Westbury trailing 15-6 early in the first half, caught fire when junior walk-on John Ignacio checked in and scored two three pointers in a 61-second period, to begin a 10-2 run for the Panthers. The bench gave the Panthers contagious energy, as freshman Joshua Frazier scored 12 points and 8 rebounds in the first half, bringing Old Westbury within 4 going into halftime down 34-30.
The Panthers came out determined and battled it out to build up a 51-44 lead with 11:40 remaining in the game. Old Westbury held onto the lead for the rest of the game in part to strong inside play and out-rebounding the Cyclones 46-to-28.
Ignacio helped energize the Panthers with his all out style of play and ended the game with a career high 9 points, 2 rebounds and 2 steals. Divine Jackson had 7 points, including 9 rebounds, 6 assists and 4 steals. Ian Johnson played all 40 minutes and recorded 8 steals, 7 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists and a block.
Centenary (2-5 Overall, 1-2 Skyline) was led by Alex Kuchar, who finished with 24 points on 9-of-22 shooting including 5-of-14 from three point land, 9 assists and 2 steals. The Cyclones received inside help from Timothy Skroski's 12 point (6-of-7 shooting) and a team high 12 rebounds.
"We are establishing a presence from some of our young players and hope to carry it into the upcoming games," said Old Westbury coach Bernard Tomlin.
The Panthers return to action on December 21 and hit the road against Nazareth College. Tip-off is slated for 7:30 pm. For more information about the Old Westbury Panthers, log onto http://www.oldwestburypanthers.com/, to follow your favorite sports and events.