In a tightly contested match, the Marist Red Foxes (9-2) demonstrated their prowess with an impressive 26-9 run in the second half, ultimately securing a decisive 69-51 victory over the Binghamton Bearcats (8-7) at McCann Arena. This loss marked the end of Binghamton's six-game winning streak and concluded their non-conference schedule. The Bearcats will now prepare for their upcoming America East Conference opener against the University of Maryland Baltimore County on January 4, 2025.

A Detailed Look at the Match

The contest unfolded in Poughkeepsie, New York, on a crisp winter afternoon. In the first half, the game was characterized by intense defense and physical play. Both teams struggled offensively, managing only nine field goals each. Despite this, Binghamton managed to edge ahead with a 17-9 run over eight minutes, leading 27-23 at halftime. Graduate guard Tymu Chenery contributed significantly with back-to-back three-pointers, totaling nine points by the break. Ben Callahan-Gold also added eight points in just 10 minutes of play.

The second half saw a dramatic shift as Marist heated up, shooting an impressive 63% from the field. Meanwhile, Binghamton faltered, missing 9 out of 10 shots early in the period, which allowed Marist to capitalize on the opportunity. The Red Foxes' relentless surge extended their lead, while Binghamton struggled to find its rhythm. Head coach Levell Sanders acknowledged the team's struggles, emphasizing the need to regroup and focus on executing their game plan better, especially in crucial moments.

Beyond the scoring, sophomore forward Gavin Walsh stood out with a double-double, contributing nine points and 11 rebounds, marking his eighth double-digit rebounding performance this season. Senior forward Nehemiah Benson and two other teammates also chipped in with nine points each.

Looking ahead, Binghamton must shake off this setback and prepare for their conference opener against UMBC. The challenge will test their resilience and ability to adapt after a tough loss.

From a journalist's perspective, this game underscores the importance of maintaining consistency and execution throughout the entire match. The Bearcats' inability to sustain their momentum after halftime highlights areas for improvement, particularly in handling pressure situations. It will be interesting to see how they bounce back and apply these lessons in their upcoming games.