Men's Basketball Team Falls in Squeaker at Binghamton

BINGHAMTON, NY -The Bloomsburg University men's basketball team lost to Division I Binghamton University 54-49 in an exhibition game before the start of the 2009-10 season. In a unique situation, the game counted for Binghamton and was its season-opener.

The Huskies jumped out to a quick 8-0 lead in the first 3:38, forcing five turnovers and not allowing the Bearcats to get any good looks at the basket. Senior Ruben Britt (Voorhees, NJ/Eastern Regional) and sophomore Larry Webster (Elkton, MD/Elkton) each had steals and easy buckets for the Huskies. Binghamton finally got on the board at the 14:40 mark on a dunk by Greer Wright and cut the Huskies lead to 8-2.

Greg Elliott

Senior Greg Elliott (White Rock, British Columbia/Earl Marriott) and sophomore Jesse Betar (Altoona/Altoona) highlighted a 10-7 run as both teams would trade baskets throughout most of the first half. The Bearcats would even the score at 18-18 with a layup from Wright and then pull ahead with 2:49 left with a three-pointer from Moussa Camara, making the score 26-24. A jumper by Britt with make the score 28-26 going into the half.

Ruben Britt

The Bearcats would take a seven point lead five minutes into the second half with a free throw by Pina Guillaume, making the score 34-27. The Huskies fought back, tying the score at 36 with 10 minutes left on a slicing layup by sophomore Trevon Johnson (Snow Hill, MD/Snow Hill).

The teams would again trade baskets, with the Bearcats taking a 47-43 advantage with 3:24 remaining. Two free throws by Elliott would cut the lead in half before Binghamton went on top 51-45 with 39 seconds left. A layup by freshman Ed Hall (Spencerville, MD/Paint Branch) would pull the Huskies back within four points with 26 seconds remaining, but Binghamton would play keep away during the final half-minute to finish off the victory.

Hall finished with 11 points and nine rebounds in 25 minutes of action. Elliott was the other Huskies playing to score in double figures, notching 10 points, including two three-pointers.

The Huskies open their regular season on Monday as they travel to Philadelphia to take on Chestnut Hill at 8:00 p.m.