NEW ROCHELLE, NY — The College of New Rochelle’s men’s basketball team concluded their first semester slate of games on Tuesday night as they captured their second consecutive win, defeating Touro College by the score of 85 to 62. The win was the team’s fourth in its last five contests. They now enter Winter break with a record of five wins and six losses.
The first half featured stifling defense by both squads as the score was tied at 11 at the 11 minute mark. The Blue Angels were able to gain a lead when reserve freshman forward Justin Rivera (New York, NY) scored six quick points to bring the tally to 17 to 11. Rivera finished the night with 14 points as his exceptional rookie season continues. After six lead changes, CNR found themselves up 36 to 29 at the half.
After re-grouping, the Blue Angels came out in the second half roaring. The team was able to open up a lead of 25 points on five different occasions, that last time coming with the Blue Angels up 77 – 52 at the 6:39 mark.
The team was elevated by the phenomenal shooting of sophomore Hunter Schenkel (Sayville, NY). The co-captain shot a mesmerizing five for six from three in the second half, finishing with 21 points in the stanza on his way to leading all scores with 33 points. Schenkel also snatched six rebounds and registered two steals in the contest.
Jaylin Gray (Brooklyn, NY), picking up his second start of the season, played a large part in the Blue Angel’s second half theatrics as he scored all 10 of his points in the latter portion of the game. Gray also grabbed six rebounds and dished four assists on the night.
The Blue Angel’s picked up key contributions from several other members. Co-captain Elijah Harris (Flushing, NY) scored eight points and made nine assists. Harris also grabbed five rebounds, blocked two shots and had four steals as he let his presence be known on both ends of the floor.
Harris and Gray were not the only guards to get up on the glass as sophomore Nyle Salley Jr (Harlem, NY) led the team with seven rebounds in just ten minutes of play. Salley Jr also blocked a shot and secured a steal.
The team hopes to capitalize on their moment in the second semester as they match-up with The College of Saint Elizabeth on January 6. The contest will be played at the Barclays Center, home of the NBA’s Brooklyn Nets.