Colts Hold On Late To Advance to Sweet Sixteen

Danville, IL - The SUNY Orange Colts men's basketball team held on late to defeat Prince George's 80-78 in the first round of the NJCAA National Championships. With the win, the Colts advance to the Sweet Sixteen for the third time in program history.

Freshman Anthony Pacciarelli (Monroe, NY / St. Joseph Regional) paced the Colts with his third double-double in his last four games, tallying 33 points and 13 rebounds. Freshman guard Gavin Williams (Fort Myers, FL / Bishop Verot) posted a near double-double with 14 points and 8 assists.

The Colts found themselves in unfamiliar territory, trailing at the half for only the fifth time all season. However, the Colts came out of the break and quickly turned a three-point halftime deficit into a four-point lead less than two minutes into the second half thanks to back to back baskets by Pacciarelli and a layup from Darren McFarlane (Bronx, NY / Monsignor Scanlon). The Colts lead grew to seven, their largest lead of the game, on a Williams three-pointer with 16:32 remaining, but the Owls would answer right back with a three-point play of their own.

The back and forth physical contest saw a total of 46 fouls called and 69 free throws attempted.

The Colts regained their identity in the second half, committing just four turnovers and shooting 42.9% from the floor, compared to 11 turnovers and a 27.6% field goal percentage in the first half.

It seemed as if the Colts had all but secured their spot in the Sweet Sixteen when Williams converted on two free throws with under a minute remaining to extend the lead to 73-66. The Owls however, refused to die. Willie Rivera Jr. banked in a long three-pointer from the wing to cut the deficit to 73-69. After a pair of Pacciarelli free throws, Rivera Jr. was fouled on long attempt and converted all three attempts from the stripe to cut the Colts lead to three.

Williams and Keishawn Morris (Brooklyn, NY / South Shore) both converted from the free throw line to give the Colts what seemed an insurmountable 78-72 lead with just 14 seconds left. Rivera Jr.'s hot hand continued however, as he hit another three-pointer with :9 on the clock to make it a one possession game once again. And after Pacciarelli made two free throws, Rivera Jr. made yet another long three with just one second remaining to cut the Colts lead to 80-78.

The Colts were able to successfully inbound the ball and avoid being fouled to run out the clock, holding on for the 80-78 win.

Orange now moves on to the Sweet Sixteen where they will take on the #1 ranked Palm Beach State (32-1). Tip-off is scheduled for 9:00 pm.