DELHI, N.Y. (November 12, 2021) – It was a homecoming worth coming out for Friday night as fans flocked to Floyd L. Maines Arena to witness the SUNY Delhi men's basketball team's return to their home court with a thrilling 77-74 victory over Mount Saint Vincent. Tied at 70-70 in the final two minutes, the Broncos inched ahead on Mavenson Therneus free throws and remained at least one possession ahead to hold off the Dolphins and open the season 2-0.
The Broncos' home opener marked the team's first competitive game in Floyd L. Maines Arena since their ACAA Championship victory back on Mar. 1, 2020, a staggering 621 days and 18 months. SUNY Delhi has now won 13 straight matches that includes their 11-game win streak to close out the 2019-20 season.
Delhi once held as much as an 11-point lead halfway through the second half before early foul trouble in the latter session caught up to them, sending CMSV to the line off bonuses. This fueled matters into a deadlock at 70-70 off Dolphins' Haven Smith's free throw. A pair of possession changes ensued before Therneus delivered a pair of shots from the charity stripe to go up 72-70 with 1:48 remaining. CSMV tied the score moments later off free throws before Erhunosere Uwuigbe responded with two of his own. Norman Wilson set some distance with a layup to lead by four, only for the Dolphins to swoop back in off an Elijah McKenzie layup with 44 ticks to play. Mount Saint Vincent had a chance to tie the game in the last ten seconds, but McKenzie missed both his free throws, where Nakhi Bishop grabbed the board for the Broncos to put the game away.
The green and gold shot 36.1 percent (26-of-72) and 8-of-25 on 3-pointers, but performed well at the line at 17-for-26. The Dolphins posted respective marks of 40.0 percent (28-of-7), 6-of-19, and 12-of-23. CSMV held a slim 51-49 lead on the boards, but Delhi forced 23 turnovers that they cashed in for an 16-3 advantage in points off turnovers. The Dolphins fared 35-of-18 on bench points.
Norman Wilson led the game with 22 points, garnering 3-of-6 threes and 9-of-19 from the floor. Mavenson Therneus came in clutch at the free throw line at 6-for-7 while earning 15 points on the evening. Lester McCarthy totaled 11 points with four boards, while Nakhi Bishop had four points, nine rebounds, and four blocks. Pablo Quinones came off the bench to make seven points and 3-of-4 from the field, including one triple.
"It wasn't pretty at times but we really battled tonight and made just enough plays to get it done," related Head Coach Zack Thomsen after the win.
SUNY Delhi turns around tomorrow to go up the hill to face Hartwick for a 7:30 p.m. tipoff.
