OLD WESTBURY, N.Y. (Nov. 27, 2010) - Senior Jerrell Walker (Stockton, Calif.) posted his first double-double of the season with a game-high 19 points and 10 rebounds to lead NYIT men's basketball to a 71-70 come-from-behind victory. With the win, the Bears even to 1-1 on the season, while the Wildcats dropped to 2-2 overall.

 

Two other Bears also registered double-digit points as junior Jahari McKnight (El Sobrante, Calif.) added 13 points and sophomore Kayvon Roberts posted 10 points. Adding to NYIT's defensive efforts was sophomore Dominic Scurry (Ozone Park, N.Y.), who pulled down six rebounds and dished out three steals and two blocks, while senior Daniel Berg (Osteras, Norway) grabbed six defensive boards.

 

NYIT quickly saw itself fall behind seven points, 10-7, just about six minutes into the contest. Yet, the Bears fought back to bring the score within two on a layup from Scurry, 12-10, and then take a one-point edge on a trey from Berg, 15-14. The two-teams then traded baskets as the score was tied on three occasions before Wilmington regained control of the scoreboard on a three-pointer from Herbert Dennis with 6:31 remaining in the half. The teams entered halftime with the Wildcats leads 37-34.

 

The Bears stormed out of the gates in the second half and quickly knotted the score 40-40 on a three-point play from Walker and a trey by Roberts with 18:51 left to play. Walker then put NYIT up by two with a layup, but Wilmington responded with a three-pointer from Dennis to take back control of the scoreboard. 

 

Although the Wildcats produced a 10-point advantage with 10:28 remaining the game, 64-54, the Bears were not about to back down and began to chip away at the gap. Baskets from Scurry, Walker and Eric Rodriguez (Miami, Fla.) brought NYIT within one points, 66-65, with 5:10 on the clock. Yet, the Bears still could not grab the upper hand. NYIT trailed until the very last seconds of the contest. After drawing a foul, Roberts nailed both of his free throws to bring the Bears within one point once again, 70-69. Then, with five seconds to go Walker made a layup to give NYIT the 71-70 win.

 

For the Wildcats, Dennis tied the game-high 19 points and posted five rebounds.

 

NYIT returns to action on Wednesday, Dec. 1 against St. Thomas Aquinas in East Coast Conference play. Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. at Recreation Hall.