OLD WESTBURY, N.Y. (Nov. 11, 2011) - NYIT men's basketball earned its first win of the season in the home opener against American International Friday night at Recreation Hall. The final score was 78-76.

The Bears were lead by junior guard/forward Kayvon Roberts (Corona, N.Y.) and sophomore point guard David Naves (Bowie,Md.), who each scored 14 point each. Senior Russell Holloway (Budd Lake, N.J.) also provided strong inside play as he shipped in with 13 points and five rebounds.

The Yellow Jackets jumped out to a quick lead in the first half but the Bears fought back and gained control 12-11 on a layup by redshirt-freshman Jahleel Felix (Flushing, N.Y.). The teams then exchanged baskets with each other as the lead changed seven times in the first half.  Finally, NYIT pulled away with a 43-38 point lead to end the first half. The Bears outscored the Yellow Jackets in points in the paint 20-8 and points of the bench 30-17.  

The second half of the game was tied three times before the Bears created a comfortable 10-point lead. However, the Yellow Jackets rallied to bring the gap down to four points due to some missed free throws by the Bears. NYIT won the game 78-76 as they let AIC score a layup as time expired.  The Bears out-rebounded  the Yellow Jackets 37-30. Of the NYIT's 78 points, 47 came off the bench, compared to AIC's 32 from the bench. 

The Bears return to action on Sunday, Nov. 13 against the Griffins of Chestnut Hill. Tip-off is scheduled for 3 p.m. at Recreation Hall.