INSTANT CLASSIC ENDS IN HEARTBREAK FOR KNIGHTS

Randolph Center, VT: An instant classic took place in Boston, MA when the Vermont State University Randolph men's basketball team took on Fisher college in the "First Game in America". The Knights battled hard and controlled the game for 30 plus minutes. Despite being in control for majority of the game, late heorics by the Falcons propelled Fisher to a thrilling 100-99 overtime win over the Knights.

It was absolute madness inside the near capacity crowd at Pappas Gymnasium in the early hours of Thursday morning. With a energetic Fisher crowd, VTSU- Randolph showed early that they were unphased and ready for a battle. First- year player Tyler Allen paced the Knights through the first half hitting crucial baskets. The Knights held the lead at the half 41-38. VTSU- Randolph came out of the half and extended the league. After a rough start, Jaylon Calvin showed why he is an All American by scoring or assisting on the Knights first 8 points of the 2nd half. The balance scoring attack helped the Knights take a 10 point lead on two different occassions. The Falcons kept coming and found there way back into the game. 

The Knights led by two points with 2.5 seconds left on the clock in regulation. Fisher's Christian Finney caught a long inbound pass from junior Ke' Andre Penceal. The 6-5 forward caught the pass, took two quick strides and laid the ball off the backboard and in as the red lights lit up to tie the game at 91 and forced the overtime period. The extra five minutes of action was just as exciting. The quick tempo saw both squad trade points early and often. VTSU-Randolph's Chris Morneo hit a free throw with 22 seconds remaining to give the Knights a slim 99-97 lead. Fisher's Finney came through again for the Falcons and converted a 'and one' play to tie the game at 99 apiece. Finney then drained the free throw to make 100-99, but there was still time on the clock for the Knights. Calvin recieved the inbound pass and used a screen to get the rim where he was met by a Fisher defender. After the refs determined it was a jump ball, possession was awarded to the Falcons. They inbounded the ball and time expired before the Knights could foul. Disbelief set in over the Knights as they fall to 0-1.

A resilient VTSU- Randolph squad had five members reach double-digits in points, led by Tyler Allen. The rookie recorded a double-double in his first collegiate action as he led the team with 27 points and 11 rebounds, also a game-high. Junior Lovell Hayes  also notched a double-double as he finished with 13 points and 10 rebounds. Junior Jaylon Calvin padded the stat sheet scoring 19 point, grabbing 9 rebounds and adding 9 steals. Xzavier Ivey and Romelle Watt finished with 17 and 13 points respectively.

The Knights outshot the Falcons overall 45.3% to 44.7%. VTSU-Randolph also held the advantage in rebounds (53-44) and had three less turnovers than that of their opponent (17-20). However, it was at the free-throw line where Fisher had the deciding edge as they were 23-for-28 (82.1%) where the Knights were 18-32 (59.4%).

Statement from Coach Hughes

I'm so proud of these guys. They fought hard and was completely unphased in a very hostile environment.  I wish we could've came out of here with a win, but the ball didn't bounce our way. We feel like we let one get away for sure. We will learn from this and get better. I want to thank Coach Leo and Fisher College for letting us be apart of this game. We enjoyed and embraced the environment, their fans made us forget that we were playing at midnight. I want to thank our fans. I know a lot of people in our community, alumni, and current students stayed up to watch the game. We didn't get the win, but they should be proud of these young men. I'm honored to be their coach. 

Vermont State – Randolph will remain on the road as they visit SUNY-Adirondack on Saturday, November 4th for a 1pm tip-off.