By D.J. Bevivino
NEWBURGH – Saturday night the Mount Saint Mary College Knights took on the Purchase College Panthers. A game that was full of potential. A send off for the Mount Seniors, a chance to spoil the Purchase hopes of a playoff berth, and most importantly a chance for a young man to have one last moment.
The game started off with a ceremony honoring the seniors of the team and two special guests. The Knight Nation let the seniors feel nothing but love as they were called to the center of the gym with their friends and family.
The game was a tight affair throughout, with neither team leading by more than seven points. Purchase held a 37-33 advantage at halftime, but the Knights came out strong in the second half, taking a 54-49 lead with just over eight minutes remaining. The Panthers battled back to tie the game at 66-66 with two minutes left, and the score remained tied until the final seconds.
With the clock winding down and the Knights down 72-73, Elijah Barnett (12 points, 5 rebounds) received the ball he drove to his right and rose for a contested layup, banking the shot off the glass and through the net as the buzzer sounded. The entire Mount Saint Mary College bench erupted in celebration as the Knights secured the thrilling victory.
“This was a great way to end the season,” said Head Coach Ryan Kadlubowki. “Our guys showed a lot of heart, and they never gave up. We’re really proud of the seniors for their leadership and contributions to the program.”
The win marked the Knights’ third victory in their last four games and snapped a three-game losing streak to the Panthers. With the win, the Knights finish the season with a record of 8-17 overall and 6-10 in the Skyline Conference.
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