PANTHERS SUFFER SETBACK AGAINST MISSISSIPPI COLLEGE

DECEMBER 30, 2007

SYDNEY, VA.-The SUNY College at Old Westbury Men's Basketball team lost in the consolation game at the Hampden-Sydney Holiday Hoops Tournament against non-conference opponent, Mississippi College, on Sunday afternoon, 97-78.  The Panthers fall to 4-7 overall while the Choctaws climb to 6-2 on the season.

Old Westbury was unable to stop the red-hot Mississippi shooting from the start.  The Choctaws sizzled in the first-half, shooting 76.3% from the field including 6-of-7 from downtown to jump out to an early 48-23 advantage at half-time.  The Panthers improved their play in the second half, out-scoring Mississippi 55-49.  Old Westbury shot 54.3% on 19-of-35 from inside the arc despite the Choctaws connecting on 58.3% in the second half. 

Old Westbury posted four Panthers in double-figures, led by All-Tournament selection, Garthlette James.  James connected on 9-of-14 from the floor, pouring in 21 points to go with five pull downs, two steals and one block.  Brandon Mays followed with 13 points including 2-of-2 from downtown and nabbed two steals.  Ian Johnson added two triples to finish with 12 points and two steals while Eddie Hood registered 10 points off the bench.  Divine Jackson chipped in with eights points and Anthony Stowe tallied five rebounds. 

Mississippi College was led by Prince Trotter's game-high 25 points on 10-of-11 shooting from the field.  Trotter added eights boards and one block while Kiki Christmas finished with 16 points, seven rebounds, six assists and two steals.  Tyler Winford knocked down two shots from beyond the arc including 5-of-7 from the floor to contribute 14 points.  Jonathan Collins dished out a game-high seven assists. 

Mississippi out-rebounded the Green and Ivory, 39-20, including a 30-13 advantage on the defensive glass.  The Old Westbury defensive attack forced 20 turnovers resulting in seven steals while the Choctaws were only able to pressure 10 Panther turnovers. 

Old Westbury returns to action on Wednesday, January 9^th to host William Paterson College at the Clark Athletic Center.  Game-time is slated for 6:00 p.m. and tickets can be purchased one hour prior to tip-off in the lobby of the Clark Athletic Center.  For more information about the Old Westbury Panthers or to follow your favorite sports and events, log onto http://www.oldwestburypanthers.com/.