2008 Woodie Awards
Home court for playoffs in reach for men's basketball
Hugh Barry
Issue date: 2/15/08 Section: Sports
Originally published: 2/14/08 at 4:18 PM EST
Last update: 2/14/08 at 4:16 PM EST
The Plattsburgh State men's basketball team are preparing for their final home games of the season this weekend as they take on New Paltz tonight and Oneonta tomorrow.
Two wins this weekend and a Brockport loss would assure the Cardinals top seeding and home court advantage throughout the playoffs. They clinched home court the first round after beating Potsdam last Saturday 87-78.
Not only are the men in an excited state of mind but they are in an emotional one as well.
Saturday at 4 p.m. will be the men's final home game and the final home game for six PSUC seniors. Senior Day will honor those six on the Cardinal roster graduating this semester which include Anthony Williams, Antwane Miller, Jared Lowe, Ricky Rider, Travis Gorham and Khylan Hunt.
"It's going to be an emotional game," Hunt said. "We're going to have to come out really strong."
The Cards have been strong all year with their overall 19-2 record and their perfect 12-0 conference record, placing them in first in the SUNYAC East.
"We should win," Rider said. "Hopefully we start out with a big lead and never look back."
The Cards faced New Paltz two weeks ago on the road and defeated the Hawks 78-65. Cardinal superstar Williams went off to score 32 points that game and is looking to do the same tonight.
The Hawks are mired in an eight game losing streak, with their last win coming in an overtime game against Buffalo State. Kyle Nelson is the Hawks' leading scorer and rebounder with 15.9 points and 9.6 rebounds per game.
"New Paltz has a new coach, new program and are doing a good job," PSUC Head Coach Tom Curle said. "Although their struggling to find wins, they're doing better. We have to make sure we are disciplined offensively and run good offensive sets."
After tonight's game the Cards will await the Saturday arrival of Oneonta.
"Oneonta's a tough, physical team," Curle said. "They do a great job pressuring the ball. We need to get the ball moving early and make those easy baskets."
Two wins this weekend and a Brockport loss would assure the Cardinals top seeding and home court advantage throughout the playoffs. They clinched home court the first round after beating Potsdam last Saturday 87-78.
Not only are the men in an excited state of mind but they are in an emotional one as well.
Saturday at 4 p.m. will be the men's final home game and the final home game for six PSUC seniors. Senior Day will honor those six on the Cardinal roster graduating this semester which include Anthony Williams, Antwane Miller, Jared Lowe, Ricky Rider, Travis Gorham and Khylan Hunt.
"It's going to be an emotional game," Hunt said. "We're going to have to come out really strong."
The Cards have been strong all year with their overall 19-2 record and their perfect 12-0 conference record, placing them in first in the SUNYAC East.
"We should win," Rider said. "Hopefully we start out with a big lead and never look back."
The Cards faced New Paltz two weeks ago on the road and defeated the Hawks 78-65. Cardinal superstar Williams went off to score 32 points that game and is looking to do the same tonight.
The Hawks are mired in an eight game losing streak, with their last win coming in an overtime game against Buffalo State. Kyle Nelson is the Hawks' leading scorer and rebounder with 15.9 points and 9.6 rebounds per game.
"New Paltz has a new coach, new program and are doing a good job," PSUC Head Coach Tom Curle said. "Although their struggling to find wins, they're doing better. We have to make sure we are disciplined offensively and run good offensive sets."
After tonight's game the Cards will await the Saturday arrival of Oneonta.
"Oneonta's a tough, physical team," Curle said. "They do a great job pressuring the ball. We need to get the ball moving early and make those easy baskets."
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