Men’s Basketball Takes Down Mercer

Middletown, NY - The SUNY Orange men's basketball took down Mercer County Community College 88-86 on Saturday afternoon. The Colts improve to 17-3 as the Vikings drop to 9-10 on the season. 

Freshman Anthony Pacciarelli (Monroe, NY / St. Joseph) led the Colts with a standout performance, finishing with 25 points, seven rebounds, eight assists and two steals. Freshman Gavin Williams (Fort Myers, FL / Bishop Verot) recorded a career-high 22 points, one rebound, three assists and four steals.  SophomoreDarren McFarlane added a strong double-double with 17 points and 10 rebounds, plus two assists and a steal.

The game opened at a fast pace, with both teams exchanging baskets in a back-and-forth battle throughout the first half. Neither side was able to gain separation until the final minutes, when the Colts took the lead of 53-45 going into halftime. 

Returning from the break, the intensity remained, as both teams continued to trade points. The Colts appeared to take control with 13 minutes remaining, building a 13 point lead, but the Vikings quickly responded with a strong run, taking a four point lead with two minutes remaining. A crucial free throw by McFarlane, followed by two more from sophomore Keishawn Morris (Brooklyn, NY / South Shore), cut the deficit to one point. Moments later McFarlane came up with a steal, and found Pacciarelli, who made the game winning three-pointer. 

The Colts remain home, hosting Sullivan County Community College on January 29. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:00 PM.