C.W. Post opened the game with a 5-0 run, and quickly pushed out to a double-digit lead in the first five minutes. The Pioneers led 16-5 at the 15:39 mark and saw their edge fluctuate between eight and 12 points over the next 10 minutes of play. Yet, with 5:25 remaining, the Bears began to claw back. Junior Russell Holloway (Budd Lake, N.J.) converted a three-point play and with a Pioneer turnover and a basket from Berg, NYIT cut the lead down to 28-25 with 4:17 to play. 

 

From there, the teams traded baskets but C.W. Post still held onto the lead. With 1:25 remaining, Stefan Bonneau pushed the gap to seven points, but NYIT countered off a thee-pointer from senior Eric Rodriguez (Miami, Fla.) with just one second to play before halftime. The Pioneers led 38-36 heading into the break.

 

NYIT and C.W. Post picked up right were they left off in the beginning of the second half. The two teams continued to trade baskets over the first five minutes of play, but the Pioneers would push ahead by four, 47-43 at the 15:20 mark. C.W. Post then grabbed a double-digit lead after a layup by Bonneau at 11:29 to lead 58-47. Although NYIT fought hard to gain control, the Pioneers held the Bears at arms length as the lead remained firmly between eight and 12 points. With 26 seconds remaining, Roberts hit a long three to pull NYIT within five points, 78-73, but Aaron Hall answered back with a dunk less than 10 seconds later help C.W. Post cruise to an 81-73 win. 

 

For the Pioneers, Hall led with 16 points, while Bonneau chipped in with 14. Jonathan Kohler added 12 points and Billy Butler contributed 10 points and 11 assists for a double-double.

 

NYIT returns to action on Wednesday, Feb. 16 when it hosts the University of Bridgeport in PinkZone action at Recreation Hall. Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m.