RAMS HANDLE COUGARS IN MEN'S BASKETBALL, 71-44

2-7-10
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CALDWELL, N.J. - The Caldwell College men's basketball team lost to Philadelphia University, 71-44 in a Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference game Sunday afternoon in the George R. Newman Center. The Cougars have lost five in a row to fall to 3-18 overall and 2-11 in league play. The Rams (17-6) remain atop the CACC South Division with a 9-1 conference mark following their eighth consecutive victory.

Philadelphia opened the game with a 10-0 run ending with a three-pointer by Jim Connolly and never looked back. The Cougars came as close as five points midway through the first half, but the Rams maintained control of the game and finished the half with an 8-0 run to take a 37-17 halftime lead. The visitors held Caldwell to 6-of-22 shooting from the field while making 15-of-28 (53.6 percent) of its field goal attempts in the first period.

Not much changed in the second half for the Rams, who built their lead up to 47-21 at the 14:35 mark. Caldwell never came closer than 20 points after that as the Rams cruised to their third win in a row over the Cougars. For the game, Philadelphia scored 27 points off 21 Caldwell turnovers while committing just 10 miscues of its own. The Rams also enjoyed a 21-7 advantage in free throw attempts.

Sophomore guard Malcolm Austin (Albany, NY/Christian Brothers) led the Cougars with 17 points. Philadelphia's Russell Frederick tallied 22 points and five assists, while Malcolm Ingram added 17 points and seven rebounds in the win.

The Cougars take on Division I Rutgers University in a regular-season game on Tuesday, Feb. 9. Tip-off is set for 7:30 p.m. in Piscataway, N.J.

COUGAR MEN'S BASKETBALL LOSES AT FELICIAN

2-4-10
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RUTHERFORD, N.J. - The Caldwell College men's basketball team was handed an 80-52 defeat at Felician College in a Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference contest at Job Gymnasium Thursday night. The result extends the Cougars' losing skid to four games and drops their record to 3-17 overall and 2-10 in the CACC. The Golden Falcons are now 15-5, 8-3 CACC.

Caldwell got off to a fast start, making 8-of-14 from the field over the first eight minutes, 44 seconds en route to a 19-10 lead. Junior guard Antonio Brimley (Paterson, NJ/Paterson Eastside) scored seven points and junior guard Dante Rollins (East Orange, NJ/Bloomfield Tech), pictured, hit two threes in the run. The lead was eight points, 25-17 with 8:17 on the clock when Felician reeled off 15 straight points to key a 22-3 run that put the Golden Falcons on top 39-28 at halftime. Ethan Kennedy came off the bench and scored 12 points in the run that gave Felician control of the game.

Momentum stayed with the Golden Falcons into the second half, as the lead grew to as many as 33 points. The Golden Falcons shot 53.7 percent from the field for the game, including 61.5 percent in the first half, and dished out 19 assists while forcing 17 Caldwell turnovers. The Cougars, who made 50.0 percent of their field goal attempts in the first half, finished the game at 37.7 percent following an 8-of-29 performance in the second half.

Sophomore center Peter Diffley (Bellerose, NY/Episcopal) led Caldwell with 15 points and a career-best 10 rebounds. Antoine Obery scored 23 points and was 10-of-12 from the floor for Felician, while Kennedy finished with 18 points.

Caldwell is scheduled to host Philadelphia University on Sunday, Feb. 7 in a CACC contest. Game time is set for 2:00 p.m. in the George R. Newman Center.

DOMINICAN HOLDS ON TO BEAT COUGARS IN MEN'S HOOPS

2-2-10
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CALDWELL, N.J. - The Caldwell College men's basketball team dropped a Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference game to Dominican College, 74-67 Tuesday night in the George R. Newman Center. The loss is the Cougars' third in a row and leaves them at 3-16 overall and 2-9 in the conference, while the Chargers improve to 10-12, 6-5 CACC.

Caldwell held the lead early, 20-11 before Dominican came back with a 12-2 run to go on top 23-22 with 8:40 left in the first half. Three-pointers by junior guard Antonio Brimley (Paterson, NJ/Paterson Eastside) and sophomore guard Nik Otovic (Kraljevo, Serbia) helped Caldwell regain the lead and eventually take a 38-35 advantage at the half. Sophomore guard Malcolm Austin (Albany, NY/Christian Brothers) was on fire in the first half, shooting 8-of-10 from the field and making 3-of-4 from three-point range en route to 19 points. Both teams shot well from the field, with Caldwell making 53.3 percent compared to 60.9 percent for the Chargers.

Five more points from Austin, including another three, sparked Caldwell to a 48-40 lead with 16:30 to play in the second half. The lead was still eight, 50-42, when Dominican scored the next 12 points, capped by a three from Brendan McManus, to push the Chargers ahead 54-50 with 11 minutes on the clock. The Cougars answered with a 7-0 run of their own, buoyed by four points from senior forward Matt Cohen (Forked River, NJ/Manasquan), pictured, that made the score 57-54 Caldwell with 8:46 remaining. But Dominican responded again by scoring nine straight points, including three from Leon Porter, to regain the upper hand 63-57 with 6:16 left in the game. Caldwell pulled to within two points three times, the last time following a basket by freshman guard Cameron Badger (Trenton, NJ/Living Faith Christian) that made the score 69-67 with 2:27 on the clock. The Cougars had three chances to tie the game but came up empty, and Porter hit three free throws down the stretch to put the game out of reach.

Both teams ended up shooting over 50 percent from the field for the game, with Dominican hitting 56.1 percent compared to 51.9 percent for Caldwell. The difference came at the free throw line, as Dominican attempted 21 free throws to 11 for Caldwell, with the Chargers making 19-of-21 (90.5 percent). The visitors also earned a 28-19 edge on the glass. Caldwell followed up Saturday's nine-turnover performance at Holy Family by committing just five turnovers for the game tonight.

Austin had a career night, scoring 30 points on 12-of-17 shooting from the floor and four three-pointers to go with six assists and three steals. Brimley finished with 14 points and nine rebounds in the loss. Porter paced Dominican with 19 points and 11 assists, while Almin Hodzic added 11 points and 10 boards.

Next up for the Cougars is a CACC North game at Felician College on Thursday, Feb. 4, beginning at 8:00 p.m. in Rutherford, N.J.

LATE BASKET DOOMS CALDWELL AT HOLY FAMILY IN MEN'S HOOPS

1-30-10
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PHILADELPHIA, Pa. - A 14-foot jumper by Khiry Hankins with nine seconds remaining lifted Holy Family University to a 78-76 win over the Caldwell College men's basketball team in a Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference game Saturday afternoon at the Campus Center. With the loss, the Cougars drop to 3-15 overall and 2-8 in league play. The Tigers are now 1-17, 1-8 CACC.

Holy Family took its largest lead of the game on a basket by Ismaila Traore at the 13:12 mark of the second half that made the score 62-45. The Cougars responded by starting their comeback with 12 straight points, capped by a three-pointer from sophomore guard Malcolm Austin (Albany, NY/Christian Brothers), to cut the deficit to 62-57. The string sparked a 16-2 Caldwell run, led by seven points from junior guard Antonio Brimley (Paterson, NJ/Paterson Eastside), that made it a three-point game, 64-61 with 9:24 on the clock. The Cougars forced seven Holy Family turnovers while swiping four steals in the run.

The Tigers were able to build the lead back up to eight points after a conventional three-point play by Justin Swidowski put Holy Family ahead 72-64 with just under five minutes to play. A steal and breakaway dunk by Brimley ignited a 10-2 run that tied the game at the one-minute mark, 74-74. Swidowski and Austin each hit a pair of free throws, giving possession to the Tigers with 24 seconds left and the game tied at 76-76. Hawkins dribbled towards the basket then pulled up to the right of the lane and hit a 14-foot jumper for a 78-76 lead. After a timeout, freshman Cameron Badger (Trenton, NJ/Living Faith Christian) drove towards the basket but Swidowski blocked his shot at the buzzer to preserve the win.

Holy Family took advantage of a big half by Swidowski to lead by as many as 15 points in the first half en route to a 45-31 advantage at halftime. Caldwell cut the lead to nine early in the second half before an 11-3 run by the Tigers extended their lead to 62-45.

Caldwell forced 20 Holy Family turnovers while committing a season-low nine miscues for the game. The Tigers owned the boards with a 41-26 rebounding advantage and made 87.5 percent from the free throw line (28-32) compared to 14-of-22 (63.6 percent) for Caldwell. Austin tallied 15 points and five rebounds to lead the Cougars, while Brimley (pictured) finished with 14 points and three steals. Badger (four assists) and senior guard John Reed (Wall, NJ/Wall) (three three-pointers) each scored 10 points. Swidowski recorded 35 points and 10 rebounds while making 19-of-20 from the charity stripe. Hankins hit four three-pointers en route to 22 points for Holy Family.

The Cougars host Dominican College on Tuesday, Feb. 2, beginning at 8:00 p.m. in the George R. Newman Center.

NYACK COMES BACK TO BEAT CALDWELL IN MEN'S HOOPS, 69-63

1-28-10
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NYACK, N.J. - The Caldwell College men's basketball team led by as many as 15 points in the first half, only to lose to Nyack College, 69-63 in a Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference game Thursday night at Bowman Gymnasium. The Cougars fall to 3-14 overall and 2-7 in the conference with the loss, while the Warriors, who defeated Caldwell 85-64 earlier this season, are now 11-9, 6-3 CACC.

An 8-0 run capped by a three-pointer from freshman guard Cameron Badger (Trenton, NJ/Living Faith Christian Acad.) gave Caldwell an early 12-4 advantage four minutes, 35 seconds into the game. Three-pointers from junior guard Dante Rollins (East Orange, NJ/Bloomfield Tech) and sophomore guard Malcolm Austin (Albany, NY/Christian Brothers) sparked an 11-3 run that put the Cougars on top 25-11 with just over 10 minutes left in the first half.

Caldwell took its largest lead of the game, 31-16 following a dunk by freshman guard Robert McPherson (Bowie, MD/Bullis) at the 9:04 mark. Three three-pointers by Steve Pogue helped Nyack get back in the game by closing out the half with a 16-8 spree that made the score 39-32 Caldwell at the break. Rollins, pictured, had 11 points in the half as the Cougars shot 57.1 percent from the field, including 5-of-7 from beyond the arc, compared to 41.4 percent for the Warriors.

Nyack continued its comeback after halftime, scoring the first six points of the second half to reduce Caldwell's lead to one, 39-38. The Cougars maintained the upper hand and took a 50-44 lead after Austin hit a three with 13 minutes to go. An 8-2 run buoyed by six points from Jose Lopez tied the game at 52-52 with 11 minutes left. After the teams exchanged free throws, Caldwell reeled off eight straight points to lead 61-53 with eight minutes on the clock.

The Warriors answered with a 10-0 run of their own, punctuated by a basket by Lopez with 3:17 left, that gave Nyack its first lead of the game, 63-61. Free throws by Austin tied the game at 63-63, but Pogue hit his fifth three-pointer of the game to put the Warriors back on top, 66-63 with less than two minutes to go. Caldwell came up empty on its final five possessions, while Nyack iced the win with three free throws down the stretch.

Nyack shot 51.9 percent from the field in the second half while holding Caldwell to 32.1 percent. The hosts also out-rebounded the Cougars after halftime, 24-13. Austin finished with a game-high 19 points to go with eight boards. Rollins registered a career-best 17 points, while junior guard Antonio Brimley (Paterson, NJ/Paterson Eastside) pitched in eight points and eight rebounds. Pogue led the Warriors with 16 points. James Oyamo added 14 points and eight boards in the win.

Caldwell plays at Holy Family on Saturday, Jan. 30 in another CACC contest. Game time is scheduled for 3:00 p.m. in Philadelphia, Pa.

AUSTIN LEADS CALDWELL TO VICTORY OVER GOLDEY-BEACOM IN MEN'S HOOPS, 93-76

1-23-10
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CALDWELL, N.J. - Sophomore guard Malcolm Austin (Albany, NY/Christian Brothers) scored a career-high 27 points to lead the Caldwell College men's basketball team to a 93-76 triumph over Goldey-Beacom College in a Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference game Saturday evening in the George R. Newman Center. The win ends a four-game losing skid for the Cougars, who are now 3-13 overall and 2-6 in the conference. The Lightning, who entered the game unbeaten in league play and riding a four-game winning streak, drop to 12-4, 6-1 CACC.

Caldwell took control of the game early, breaking a 6-6 tie with an 18-0 spree that included seven points from Austin and six points from junior guard Antonio Brimley (Paterson, NJ/Paterson Eastside). The Cougars made 7-of-8 from the field while holding the Lightning scoreless on five attempts in building a 24-6 lead with 12 minutes left in the first half. The lead grew to as many as 20 before Goldey-Beacom was able to reduce the deficit to 15, 45-30 at the break. The Cougars shot 54.5 percent while committing just six turnovers compared to 11 for the Lightning in the first half.

The second half was more of the same, with Goldey-Beacom unable to come any closer than 15 points. A basket by Brimley and six consecutive free throws from freshman guard Robert McPherson (Bowie, MD/Bullis) sparked an 8-0 run that helped the Cougars record their largest lead of the game, 76-52 with just under nine minutes to play. Caldwell shot even better in the second half, making 15-of-23 (65.2 percent), and also excelled at the free throw line. In a game that saw the teams combine for 66 free throws and 52 fouls, the Cougars converted 25-of-29 (86.2 percent) from the line for the game compared to 25-of-37 (67.6 percent) for Goldey-Beacom. Caldwell's 11 turnovers are a season low.

Austin hit all 10 of his free throw attempts en route to a career-high 27 points. Brimley and sophomore center Peter Diffley (Bellerose, NY/Episcopal) also achieved career highs with 19 points apiece, with Diffley shooting a perfect 9-of-9 from the field to go with a team-best seven rebounds. Brimley also had three blocks and two steals. Junior guard Dante Rollins (East Orange, NJ/Bloomfield Tech) turned in a solid performance with 11 points, four assists and two steals, while freshman guard Cameron Badger (Trenton, NJ/Living Faith Christian), pictured, registered career-highs of eight points and five assists. Kyle White paced the Lightning with 21 points.

The Cougars play at Nyack College on Thursday, Jan. 28 in another CACC contest. Game time is scheduled for 8:00 p.m. in Nyack, N.Y.

CALDWELL FALLS TO CONCORDIA IN OVERTIME

1-21-10
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CALDWELL, N.J. - The Caldwell College men's basketball team erased a nine-point deficit with less than three minutes remaining to force overtime, only to lose to Concordia College, 76-67 in an exciting Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference battle Thursday night in the George R. Newman Center. With the defeat, the Cougars fall to 2-13 overall and 1-6 in league play, while the Clippers are now 1-15, 1-6 CACC.

A dunk by William Eason put Concordia on top, 60-51 with 2:40 to play in the second half. Senior forward Matt Cohen (Forked River, NJ/Manasquan) answered for Caldwell with a lay-up, then stole the in-bounds pass, scored and was fouled. He made the ensuing free throw to make the score 60-56 with 1:27 on the clock. After the Clippers came up empty on their next possession, sophomore center Peter Diffley (Bellerose, NY/Episcopal) buried a jumper to pull the Cougars to within two, 60-58 with 1:27 remaining. Another missed shot by Concordia gave the ball back to Caldwell, and junior guard Dante Rollins (East Orange, NJ/Bloomfield Tech) was fouled. He hit both free throws to tie the game at 60-60, capping a 9-0 run.

Brandon Whitaker snapped the string with a three-pointer with 44 seconds left to give Concordia a 63-60 advantage. Again Rollins (pictured) responded, draining a three off an assist by Diffley to knot the score at 63-63 with 25 seconds on the clock. The Clippers held the ball for one final shot, but Rollins blocked Lavor Morris' attempt from the left side, sending the game to overtime. After the teams exchanged baskets to start the extra period, Concordia reeled off the next 10 points, including four from Douglas Soutar, to take a commanding 75-65 lead with just 21 seconds left. Caldwell turned the ball over three times and missed all five shots during the run, as the Clippers closed out their first win of the season.

After taking a 32-28 halftime lead, the Cougars started the second half with an 11-4 run, including four points from Diffley, to build a seemingly comfortable 43-32 advantage with 13:45 left in the half. But Concordia did not surrender and took control of the game with a huge 23-3 run that flipped the lead to the visitor, 55-46 with four minutes to play. Argelix Gil and Brandon Whitaker scored seven points apiece in the run, which saw the Cougars go 1-of-14 from the field. Senior guard John Reed (Wall, NJ/Wall) hit a three-pointer to help Caldwell battle back to tie the game in regulation, but it was not enough to prevent the Cougars from losing their fourth straight game.

Sophomore guard Malcolm Austin (Albany, NY/Christian Brothers) led Caldwell with 17 points and four assists, with Diffley finishing with 16 points on 8-of-10 shooting and five rebounds. Junior guard Antonio Brimley (Paterson, NJ/Paterson Eastside) grabbed a career-high 11 rebounds. Eason paced the Clippers with 17 points and a whopping 21 rebounds. Whitaker led all scorers with 21 points, while Gil added 17 points and three steals.

The Cougars host Goldey-Beacom College in a CACC contest on Saturday, Jan. 23. Game time is set for 8:00 p.m. in the Newman Center.

COUGARS STUMBLE AT CHESTNUT HILL, 81-69 IN MEN'S BASKETBALL

1-18-10
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PHILADELPHIA, Pa. - The Caldwell College men's basketball team was defeated by Chestnut Hill College, 81-69 in a Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference game Monday evening at Sorgenti Arena. The loss drops the Cougars to 2-12 overall and 1-5 in the league, while the Griffins improve to 6-8, 2-3 CACC.

With Caldwell leading 20-19 at the 12:10 mark of the first half, Chestnut Hill reeled off a 20-2 run to take over the game and lead 39-22 with 3:39 remaining in the first half. The Griffins held Caldwell to 1-of-11 shooting from the field while forcing five turnovers during the key run. A pair of baskets by junior guard Dante Rollins (East Orange, NJ/Bloomfield Tech) and a three-pointer by sophomore guard Nik Otovic (Kraljevo, Serbia) allowed the Cougars to close out the half with a 7-0 run to make the halftime score 39-29 in favor of the host Griffins.

Caldwell continued its comeback at the start of the second half by outscoring Chestnut Hill 7-1, including a three from sophomore guard Malcolm Austin (Albany, NY/Christian Brothers), to cut the deficit to four, 40-36 with 18:16 remaining. But the Griffins answered with a 10-2 run of their own, capped by a three by Julian McFadden, to restore a double-digit advantage, 50-38 with 15 minutes left. A conventional three-point play from junior guard Antonio Brimley (Paterson, NJ/Paterson Eastside) briefly brought Caldwell within nine points, 50-41, but the Cougars would get no closer, trailing by as many as 17 points en route to their third straight loss.

Caldwell grabbed 23 offensive rebounds and held a 40-35 advantage on the glass for the game. Chestnut Hill shot the ball well, making 57.7 percent from the field compared to 38.2 percent for the Cougars.

Brimley recorded career highs of 18 points and 10 rebounds, and had three steals to pace Caldwell. Austin contributed 12 points, while Otovic (pictured) dished out a career-best nine assists to go with 10 points, six rebounds and two steals. Ryan Cook led all scorers with 21 points for the Griffins, who also received 10 points, 12 rebounds and five blocks from Dan Comas. McFadden pitched in 16 points in the win.

Next up for Caldwell is a home game against CACC newcomer Concordia College on Thursday, Jan. 21. The game is scheduled to start at 8:00 p.m.

CALDWELL LOSES CACC GAME TO NYACK IN MEN'S HOOPS

1-11-10
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CALDWELL, N.J. - The Caldwell College men's basketball team dropped a Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference game to Nyack College, 85-64 Monday night in the George R. Newman Center. With the loss, the Cougars fall to 2-11 overall and 1-4 in conference play, while the Warriors improve to 8-7 overall, 3-1 CACC.

Neither team took control of the game until near the end of the first half. With Nyack holding a slim 33-31 lead, the Warriors tallied the next eight points, including three-pointers from Matt Morgan and Aundrae Williams, to jump ahead 41-31 with 2:42 left in the first period. Baskets by freshman forward Karel Thuwis (Zonhoven, Belgium/Brehm Prep) and sophomore guard Malcolm Austin (Albany, NY/Christian Brothers) and a pair of free throws from junior forward Tyler Emmons (Portland, ME/Portland) allowed Caldwell to pull to within six, 43-37 at the break. Nyack made seven threes in the half, with Williams making 3-of-4 from beyond the arc.

Momentum stayed with the Cougars early in the second half, as Austin scored seven straight points to tie the game at 43-43 with 18:23 on the clock. But Nyack's Jose Lopez hit three three-pointers and scored 11 points in a 20-0 game-changing run that swung control of the game back to the visitors, 63-43 with 11:43 remaining. Caldwell committed seven turnovers and missed all five of their field goal attempts during the run. The Cougars were able to reduce the Warriors' lead to 15 points but could get no closer, as Nyack wrapped up its second consecutive win over Caldwell in the Newman Center.

The Cougars made just 31.0 percent (9-of-29) from the field in the second half and shot 38.9 percent for the game. Nyack continued to stay hot from long range, hitting 12 of its 20 three-point attempts (60.0 percent) for the game.

Junior guard Antonio Brimley (Paterson, NJ/Paterson Eastside) scored a career-high 17 points and grabbed seven rebounds to pace Caldwell. Austin finished with 12 points, four rebounds and three assists. Five players reached double-figures in points for Nyack, with Andrew and Aundrae Williams each scoring 13 points. Lopez came off the bench to provide 12 points, all in the second half, and Morgan and James Oyamo added 12 points apiece.

The Cougars are back in action on Monday, Jan. 18 for a CACC game at Chestnut Hill College, beginning at 8:00 p.m. in Philadelphia, Pa.

FELICIAN SHOOTS DOWN CALDWELL IN MEN'S BASKETBALL

1-7-10
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CALDWELL, N.J. - The Caldwell College men's basketball team fell to Felician College, 80-68 in a Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference game Thursday evening in the George R. Newman Center. The Cougars, who had won their previous two games, are now 2-10 overall and 1-3 in the conference. The Golden Falcons, who shot 57.7 percent from the field in the win, improve to 10-2, 3-0 CACC.

Felician led by 12 midway through the first half before two baskets by junior guard Antonio Brimley (Paterson, NJ/Paterson Eastside) capped an 8-0 run that made the score 22-18 Felician with six minutes left in the half. A three-pointer by Mike Edghill just before halftime gave the Golden Falcons a 36-27 lead at the break. Felician made 16-of-26 (61.5 percent) from the floor in the first half, as forward Devon Young had nine points on 4-of-4 shooting. Brimley had 10 points in the half to pace Caldwell.

Young jump-started the Golden Falcons in the second half with a three-pointer that ignited a 21-10 run over the first 10 minutes to make it a 20-point game, 57-37. The lead ballooned to 23 points at the 6:13 mark before Caldwell was able to cut into the deficit with a 9-0 spurt that made the score 65-51 with four minutes to play. The Cougars came within 11 points in the last minute of the game, but were unable to prevent Felician from picking up its third win in a row. The Golden Falcons shot 53.8 percent in the second half, while Caldwell made 51.6 percent of its attempts from the field after halftime and a season-best 49.1 percent for the game.

Sophomore center Peter Diffley (Bellerose, NY/Episcopal) was 6-of-6 from the field en route to a career-high 16 points to go with six rebounds for Caldwell. Freshman guard Robert McPherson (Bowie, MD/Bullis), pictured, also recorded a career best with 13 points, while Brimley finished with 12 points and two steals. Young scored 17 points to lead Felician, which received 16 points, 11 rebounds, five assists and three steals from guard Antoine Obery.

The Cougars host Nyack College on Monday, Jan. 11 in another CACC North Division game. Tip-off is set for 8:00 p.m. in the George R. Newman Center.

COUGARS VICTORIOUS AT POST IN MEN'S HOOPS, 83-77

1-5-10
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WATERBURY, Conn. - The Caldwell College men's basketball team used a late rally to pull away from Post University, 83-77 in a Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference game Tuesday evening at the Drubner Center. The win is the Cougars' second in a row and gives them a 2-9 overall record, including a 1-2 mark in conference play. The Eagles drop to 4-9, 0-4 CACC with the loss.

Trailing by as many as nine points in the second half, Caldwell used a 10-2 run, including five points from sophomore guard Malcolm Austin (Albany, NY/Christian Brothers), to erase a seven-point deficit and take a 70-69 lead with just over three minutes to play. After a pair of free throws by Trevon Hamlet briefly gave Post a one-point lead, back-to-back baskets by Austin put the Cougars ahead 74-71 with 2:13 on the clock. Caldwell scored on nine of its final 10 possessions while holding Post to three free throws and a late three-pointer over the final two minutes of the game to clinch its second straight victory.

The first half remained close, with six lead changes and three ties. Baskets by senior guard John Reed (Wall, NJ/Wall) and junior forward Tyler Emmons (Portland, ME/Portland) broke a 29-29 tie and sent the Cougars into halftime with a 33-29 lead. A three by Reed, pictured, and a conventional three-point play from sophomore center Peter Diffley (Bellerose, NY/Episcopal) helped Caldwell extend its lead to 41-35 with 16:47 remaining in the second half. The Eagles responded with a 10-0 run ignited by a three from Nyheem Sanders that put Post on top 45-41. After the Cougars pulled to within two, 51-49 following a basket by freshman Robert McPherson (Bowie, MD/Bullis), the Eagles took their largest lead of the game with an 8-1 run that made the score 59-50 with 8:48 to play. But they could not hold off the visiting Cougars, who earned their first CACC win of the season.

Caldwell finished strong offensively, making 56.7 percent (17-of-30) from the field in the second half. The Cougars also earned a significant advantage on the glass, out-rebounding Post 47-34 for the game while grabbing 18 offensive boards.

Austin scored a season-high 21 points while dishing out seven assists to lead Caldwell. Diffley went 5-of-6 from the floor and finished with 12 points, with sophomore guard Nik Otovic (Kraljevo, Serbia) adding nine points, six rebounds and four assists. Freshman guard Cameron Badger (Trenton, NJ/Living Faith Christian) swiped four of Caldwell's 10 steals to set a career high. Hamlet tallied 19 points and 12 boards to lead Post.

The Cougars host Felician College on Thursday, Jan. 7 in another CACC North Division battle. Game time is set for 8:00 p.m. in the George R. Newman Center.

CALDWELL MEN'S BASKETBALL BEATS MERCY FOR FIRST WIN

1-3-10
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ORANGEBURG, N.Y. – The Caldwell College men’s basketball team outscored Mercy College 41-18 in the second half to win its first game of the season, 73-50 at the James Clancy Tournament, held at Dominican College’s Hennessy Center Sunday afternoon. The victory ends an 11-game losing streak extending back to last season and gives the Cougars a 1-9 mark on the year. The Mavericks remain winless at 0-11.

Mercy erased a five-point Caldwell lead by scoring 12 straight points, including six points from Hasaan Powell, to take a 20-13 advantage midway through the first half. A three-pointer by sophomore guard Malcolm Austin (Albany, NY/Christian Brothers) helped to spark a 14-2 run that put the Cougars on top 27-23 with 5:17 left in the half. Mercy finished out the period outscoring Caldwell 9-5 as the teams entered halftime tied at 32-32. Powell tallied nine points in the half to lead the Mavericks, while sophomore guard Nik Otovic (Kraljevo, Serbia) notched seven points for the Cougars.

Caldwell came out of the break determined to end its losing ways, scoring the first 11 points of the second half. Senior guard John Reed (Wall, NJ/Wall) buried a pair of threes in the run, with Brimley adding a conventional three-point play to put the Cougars ahead 43-22 with 15:37 remaining. The lead grew to 53-39 at the 10:17 mark before Mercy answered with three-pointers by Jimmy Gunville and Tyler Jones sandwiched around a basket from senior forward Matt Cohen (Forked River, NJ/Manasquan). Following the three by Jones that made the score 55-45 Caldwell, the Cougars tallied 13 of the next 15 points as part of an 18-5 run to close out the game and wrap up their first win since Feb. 24 of last season.

Caldwell shot 64.0 percent (16-of-25) from the field in the second half while holding Mercy to just five field goals in 24 attempts (20.8 percent) after halftime. Cohen (pictured), who was 7-of-8 from the floor in the second half and 9-of-11 for the game, registered 18 points and a career-high 12 rebounds in the win. Otovic added 13 points, four rebounds and six assists, while Austin scored 13 points. Powell and Jones each had 10 points for Mercy, with Powell grabbing a team-best eight boards.

Caldwell resumes Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference play with a league game at Post University on Tuesday, Jan. 5. Tip-off is set for 8:00 p.m. in Waterbury, Conn.

QUEENS TOPS COUGARS AT DOMINICAN TOURNEY

1-2-10
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ORANGEBURG, N.Y. - The Caldwell College men's basketball team lost a non-conference game to Queens College, 66-53 in the first game of the James Clancy Tournament, held at Dominican College Saturday afternoon in the Hennessy Center. The result keeps the Cougars winless on the season at 0-9, while the Knights improve to 5-4.

Caldwell led by as many as four points in the first half en route to taking a 25-24 advantage at halftime. Sophomore guard Don Trifari (Towaco, NJ/Paul Robeson) had eight points in the half, while junior guard Antonio Brimley (Paterson, NJ/Paterson Eastside) added six points. The momentum quickly switched to Queens in the second half, however, as the Knights tallied the first 13 points after the break to spark a 17-2 run and take a commanding 41-27 lead with 14:22 on the clock. The Cougars were able to cut the deficit to eight with just under nine minutes to play, but Queens never lost control of the game in extending Caldwell's worst start in the 23-year history of the program.

The Cougars forced 22 Queens turnovers and swiped 12 steals while committing 16 miscues of their own. But Caldwell could not overcome poor shooting from the free throw line, as the Cougars made just 9-of-22 (40.9 percent) from the charity stripe compared to 19-of-31 (61.3 percent) for Queens.

Brimley led all players with career highs of 15 points and seven steals to go with eight rebounds in the loss. Trifari (pictured) finished with 12 points, including a pair of three-pointers, while senior forward Matt Cohen (Forked River, NJ/Manasquan) grabbed eight boards. Lamonte Lans paced the Knights with 12 points and two steals, with Akim Neverson adding 10 points and nine rebounds.

Caldwell faces Mercy College Sunday, Jan. 3 at 2:00 p.m. on the second day of the James Clancy Tournament.

 

EAST STROUDSBURG DOWNS CALDWELL IN MEN'S HOOPS, 73-60

12-20-09
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CALDWELL, N.J. - The Caldwell College men's basketball team dropped the final game of the ECAC Holiday Classic, losing to East Stroudsburg University 73-60 Sunday night in the George R. Newman Center. The Cougars fall to 0-8 on the season, while the Warriors remain unbeaten at 9-0.

The first half was close throughout, with seven lead changes and four ties. After a pair of free throws put ESU on top 28-27 late in the first half, Caldwell answered with an 8-2 run to take a 35-30 lead at halftime. Freshman guard Cameron Badger (Trenton, NJ/Living Faith Christian) scored a pair of baskets in the run, which gave Caldwell its largest lead of the first half.

The game went back and forth in the first 10 minutes of the second half, as the lead changed hands six times. With the game tied at 45-45, the Cougars reeled off seven straight points, punctuated by a three-pointer from sophomore guard Don Trifari (Towaco, NJ/Paul Robeson), for a 52-45 advantage with eight minutes to play. But East Stroudsburg regained the lead with an 11-2 run, then wrapped up the game by scoring 13 of the final 15 points of contest, including seven points from Terrance King. The Cougars, who trailed 60-58 before the final run, missed their final four field goal attempts over the last 3:30.

Junior guard Antonio Brimley (Paterson, NJ/Paterson Eastside) led Caldwell with 12 points and five rebounds, while Badger recorded four assists and two steals to go with four points. King and Duane Johnson each had 11 points, with Marcus Brown taking home Player of the Game honors with 10 points and seven rebounds. Mike Tobin grabbed 10 boards to help the Warriors build a 44-31 advantage on the glass.

In the other men's game at the ECAC Holiday Classic, Adelphi University defeated Dominican College 57-38. Richard Byrd tallied 18 points and eight rebounds to receive the Player of the Game award.

Caldwell plays in the Dominican College Tournament on Jan. 2-3 in Orangeburg, N.Y.

COUGARS FALL AGAIN TO PANTHERS AT ECAC HOLIDAY CLASSIC

12-19-09
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CALDWELL, N.J. - The Caldwell College men's basketball team fell to Adelphi University, 71-40 at the ECAC Holiday Classic, hosted by Caldwell College in the George R. Newman Center on Saturday evening. The loss is the Cougars' second in a week to the Panthers, who defeated Caldwell in a non-conference game last Saturday in Garden City, N.Y. The Cougars are now 0-7, while Adelphi improves to 9-1.

Caldwell held an early 9-2 lead on a pair of three-pointers by Dante Rollins (East Orange, NJ/Bloomfield Tech) but the Panthers came back strong, leading by as many as 23 before taking a 43-21 advantage into the break. The Cougars never came closer than 23 points in the second half, as Adelphi cruised to another 31-point win over Caldwell, which made just 21.1 percent from the floor in the second half and 28.9 percent for the game. The Cougars went to the line 31 times compared to 19 for the Panthers, but were unable to take advantage, making just 16 (51.6 percent).

Sophomore center Peter Diffley (Bellerose, NY/Episcopal) had nine points and six rebounds to lead Caldwell, while sophomore guard Nic Otovic (Kraljevo, Serbia) tallied five assists. Richard Byrd led all scorers with 13 points for Adelphi, which also received 12 points from Chris Diasparra. Diasparra went 5-of-8 from the field and was selected the Player of the Game.

In the other men's game at the ECAC Holiday Classic, East Stroudsburg held off Dominican College, 78-74 with the help of 24 points from Andy Heimbach, the Player of the Game.

The ECAC Holiday Classic concludes Sunday, Dec. 20, with Caldwell playing East Stroudsburg at 6:00 p.m. and Dominican facing Adelphi at 2:00 p.m.

ADELPHI HANDS CALDWELL SIXTH STRAIGHT DEFEAT IN MEN'S BASKETBALL

12-12-09
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GARDEN CITY, N.Y. - The Caldwell College men's basketball team lost a non-conference game at Adelphi University, 79-48 Saturday afternoon at Adelphi's Center for Recreation & Sports. The loss is the sixth defeat in six games this season for the Cougars (0-6), while the Panthers improve to 8-1.

Adelphi took over the lead one minute, six seconds after the start of the game and never looked back, leading by as many as 24 points before taking a 45-28 advantage at the break. The Panthers grabbed control with a 23-5 run that spanned more than six minutes in the first half. The Cougars were able to cut the deficit to 11 points with a 7-0 run that made the score 52-41 with 12:44 remaining in the game. But Adelphi ended any thoughts of a comeback, closing out the game by out-scoring Caldwell 27-7 the rest of the way. The Cougars made just 6-of-22 from the field in the second half and attempted 19 fewer free throws than their opponents, who went 27-of-37 from the line compared to 10-of-18 for Caldwell.

Sophomore center Peter Diffley (Bellerose, NY/Episcopal) recorded seven points, eight rebounds and four assists, while senior forward Matt Cohen (Forked River, NJ/Manasquan) grabbed nine boards. Richard Byrd led all players with 15 points for Adelphi, with Steffon Farley, Casey Cosgrove and Chris Diasparra each scoring 13 points in the win.

Next up for the Cougars is the ECAC Holiday Classic, hosted by Caldwell  Dec. 19-20. The Cougars will face Adelphi again on Saturday before playing East Stroudsburg on Sunday. Both games are at 6:00 p.m.

BLOOMFIELD HOLDS OFF COUGARS IN MEN'S HOOPS

12-8-09
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BLOOMFIELD, N.J. - The Caldwell College men's basketball team reduced a 21-point deficit to two but was unable to overcome Bloomfield College in a 94-81 loss Tuesday night at the Bloomfield Gymnasium. The result gives the Cougars an overall record of 0-5, including a 0-2 mark in the Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference. The Deacons are now 4-2 overall, 1-0 in league play.
 
Trailing 52-32 at the half, Caldwell fell behind 57-36 at the 16:15 mark before staging a comeback. Nine points from sophomore guard Don Trifari (Towaco, NJ/Paul Robeson) sparked an 18-5 run that cut the Deacons’ lead to eight, 62-54 with just under 13 minutes to play. Bloomfield used seven free throws to help build its lead up to 75-59 with 9:19 on the clock. The Cougars refused to go away, as sophomore guard Malcolm Austin (Albany, NY/Christian Brothers) scored five points and senior forward Matt Cohen (Forked River, NJ/Manasquan) had four points to ignite a 14-0 spree to pull to within two, 75-73 with seven minutes left.

The comeback would stall at that point, however, as the Deacons tallied the next two baskets and out-scored Caldwell 19-8 the rest of the way. Guard Ahmad Harris scored six of his eight points down the stretch, as Bloomfield wrapped up its fourth straight win over the Cougars.

Cohen recorded career highs of 21 points and 10 rebounds while hitting 9-of-10 from the field. Trifari had his best outing as a Cougar with 16 points, while Austin finished with 15 points. Gage Daye made five three-pointers, all in the first half, en route to a game-high 22 points for Bloomfield. Matt Wafala pitched in 19 points for the Deacons, who made nine threes in the first half.
 
The Cougars play a non-conference game at Adelphi University on Saturday, Dec. 12. The game is set to start at 3:30 p.m. in Garden City, N.Y.

CALDWELL COLLEGE TO HOST ECAC HOLIDAY CLASSIC DEC. 19-20

Dec. 7, 2009 - Caldwell College will be the site of two full days of college basketball action when the ECAC Holiday Classic comes to the George R. Newman Center Dec. 19-20. The men's and women's basketball teams from Caldwell, Dominican College and East Stroudsburg University, the men’s team from Adelphi University and the women’s squad from Le Moyne College, will participate in the Classic, which consists of four games on each day. This is the third straight year in which the ECAC has served as the primary sponsor of Caldwell's holiday tournament. (more)

 

 

COUGARS DROP CACC GAME TO CHARGERS

12-2-09
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ORANGEBURG, N.Y. - The Caldwell College men's basketball team lost to Dominican College, 61-51 in the first Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference game of the season for both teams Wednesday night in the Hennessy Center. The Cougars fall to 0-4 on the season, while the Chargers are now 2-2.

Caldwell trailed by as many as eight points in the first half before cutting the deficit to 29-25 at halftime. A three-pointer by Leon Porter capped a 9-1 run to start the second half and give Dominican a 38-26 advantage. The Cougars answered with an 11-3 run of their own with six different players scoring to pull to within four, 41-37 with 11:42 left in the game. But a seven-minute scoring drought led to an 8-0 spree and a 49-37 advantage for the Chargers with 4:45 remaining. Caldwell came within six points in the final minute of play but could not avoid losing its fourth straight game of the season.

The Cougars made 37.0 percent from the field in the game, including 1-of-15 from three-point range. Junior guard Antonio Brimley (Paterson, NJ/Paterson Eastside) recorded 10 points, nine rebounds and two steals, while senior forward Matt Cohen (Forked River, NJ/Manasquan) had a career-high 10 points to go with four rebounds. Junior guard Dante Rollins (East Orange, NJ/Bloomfield Tech), left, pitched in nine points. Porter was one of four players to score in double figures for Dominican with 14 points, while Cory Quimby had 11 points and 10 boards in the win.

The Cougars play a CACC game at Bloomfield College on Tuesday, Dec. 8, beginning at 8:00 p.m.

 

 

CHEYNEY DEFEATS CALDWELL IN MEN'S BASKETBALL, 68-52

11-30-09
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CALDWELL, N.J. - The Caldwell College men's basketball team remained winless on the season with a 68-52 loss to Cheyney University in a non-conference contest at the George R. Newman Center Monday night. The defeat drops the Cougars to 0-3 on the season, while the Wolves improve to 3-1.

The two teams battled in the first half, with five ties and three lead changes. A conventional three-point play by senior forward Matt Cohen (Forked River, NJ/Manasquan) and baskets from junior forward Tyler Emmons (Portland, ME) and freshman guard Cameron Badger (Trenton, NJ/Living Faith Christian) allowed the Cougars to take their largest lead of the half, 26-21 with 7:28 on the clock. Cheyney ended the half with a 10-3 spree, buoyed by two three-pointers by Sharif Bray, that sent the Wolves into the break with a 31-29 lead.

The game remained close for the first 11 minutes of the second half, as Caldwell came back to briefly take the lead twice. With the game tied at 47-47 following a lay-up by Cohen at the 8:58 mark, Cheyney took control of the game with a 17-0 run that turned a tight contest into a one-sided decision. Six different players scored for the Wolves in the run, as Bray and Amardio Matos each scored four points en route to a 64-47 lead with 3:13 remaining. But Cheyney was helped by five turnovers by the Cougars, who also missed all five of their attempts from the field in the run.

Junior guard Antonio Brimley (Paterson, NJ/Paterson Eastside) recorded 10 points and six rebounds, while sophomore guard Nik Otovic (Kraljevo, Serbia) also had 10 points, all in the first half. Cohen, pictured, grabbed seven boards and Emmons finished with six to help Caldwell out-rebound Cheyney, 37-29.  Bray led all scorers with 24 points, while James Inge tallied 15 points and a game-high nine rebounds for the Wolves, who scored 23 points off Caldwell turnovers and had 14 steals.

The Cougars take on Dominican College on Wednesday, Dec. 2, in their first Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference game of the season. Game time is set for 8:00 p.m. in Orangeburg, N.Y.

COUGARS FALL TO RIVER HAWKS, 75-60

11-21-09
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LOWELL, Mass. – The Caldwell College men’s basketball team dropped a non-conference game at UMass-Lowell, 75-60 Saturday afternoon at Costello Athletic Center. With the loss, the Cougars fall to 0-2 on the season, while the River Hawks remain unbeaten at 3-0.

UMass-Lowell built a 24-16 lead midway through the first half on the strength of three three-pointers from Romeo Diaz Six points from junior guard Dante Rollins (East Orange, NJ/Bloomfield Tech) sparked a 9-1 run for Caldwell to tie the game at 25-25 with 5:29 on the clock. The River Hawks regained the lead with a 15-5 spree to close out the half and take a 40-30 advantage into the halftime break. Diaz had 14 points in the first half for UML.

The Cougars opened the second half with a three by senior guard John Reed (Wall, NJ/Wall) and a basket by junior forward Tyler Emmons (Portland, ME/Portland) to pull to within five, 40-35. But The River Hawks exploded for 13 straight points to take control of the game with a 58-37 advantage with 11:37 to play. The lead grew to as many as 25 points until the Cougars closed out the game with a 16-6 run. Caldwell was hampered by shooting 37.5 percent from the floor for the game, compared to 47.9 percent for UMass-Lowell. The River Hawks also enjoyed a 28-14 advantage in free throw attempts.

Emmons paced Caldwell with 14 points and eight rebounds in his first game since the 2007-08 season. Emmons, who missed last season due to injury, went 6-of-14 from the field. Reed hit 3-of-4 from long range en route to 11 points, while freshman guard Robert McPherson (Bowie, MD/Bullis) had 10 points and four rebounds. Diaz and Kyle Caiola each had 18 points to lead UML.

Caldwell returns home to play Cheyney University in a non-conference game on Monday, Nov. 30. Game time is set for 8:00 p.m. in the George R. Newman Center.

COUGAR MEN'S BASKETBALL DROPS SEASON OPENER TO Le MOYNE, 63-48

11-15-09
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CALDWELL, N.J. - The Caldwell College men's basketball team opened the 2009-2010 season with a 63-48 loss to Le Moyne College in a non-conference game Sunday afternoon in the George R. Newman Center. The Cougars, who were 12-16 a year ago, begin the new campaign 0-1. The Dolphins, who were 20-11 in 2008-09, are 1-0.

Le Moyne broke open a close game with back-to-back three-pointers by James Cormier and Chris Johnson that sparked a 10-0 run late in the second half to take a 27-18 lead. The Dolphins made 5-of-8 from long range in the first half en route to a 32-24 advantage at the break. A three-pointer from senior guard John Reed (Wall, NJ/Wall) and three free throws by sophomore guard Nik Otovic (Kraljevo, Serbia) helped reduce the deficit to four, 34-30 with 16:23 left in the second half. But Le Moyne answered with nine straight points, including threes from Johnson and Durrett Miles, to build the lead to 43-30 with 12 minutes remaining. Caldwell cut the lead to eight twice, but the Dolphins maintained a double-digit advantage over the final eight minutes to clinch the victory.

Caldwell forced 23 Le Moyne turnovers and recorded 11 steals, but the Dolphins shot 60.5 percent from the field for the game, including 7-of-14 from three-point range. Le Moyne, which beat Division I Syracuse University in an exhibition earlier this month, received 26 points from its bench compared to 10 for Caldwell's reserves.

Otovic, pictured, finished with 15 points to lead the Cougars, while junior Antonio Brimley (Paterson, NJ/Paterson Eastside) tallied 12 points and four rebounds in his first game as a Cougar. Freshman forward Karel Thuwis (Zonhoven, Belgium/Brehm Prep) also had a good debut for Caldwell with a team-best six rebounds. Johnson led all scorers with 18 points, with Damani Corbin adding 13 points and four steals. The Cougars held All-American forward Laurence Ekperigin to 10 points and nine boards.

The Cougars face another team from the Northeast-10 Conference on Saturday, Nov. 21, when they play at UMass.-Lowell. Game time is set for 5:00 p.m. in Lowell, Mass.

WATCH COUGAR BASKETBALL ON THE INTERNET FOR FREE AT CACC.TV

Nov. 14, 2009 - For the third straight year, fans can follow Caldwell College's men's and women's basketball teams on the internet via live video streaming. All home games this season will be broadcast in association with PennAtlantic and the games will be free for all viewers. The first home game of the season is a men's game between Caldwell and Le Moyne on Sunday, Nov. 15, beginning at 2:00 p.m. If you can't make it to the Newman Center, visit CACC.tv, set up a free account and find the game on the schedule.

 

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2009-2010 ARCHIVED STORIES

11-4-09: CALDWELL MEN'S BASKETBALL TABBED FOR THIRD IN CACC NORTH BY PRESEASON POLL
10-15-09: RUTGERS HIGHLIGHTS CALDWELL MEN'S BASKETBALL SCHEDULE
7-23-09: CALDWELL MEN'S BASKETBALL ANNOUNCES RECRUITING CLASS
6-26-09: SCOTT RETURNS TO MEN'S BASKETBALL STAFF AT CALDWELL
 

For 2009-2010 game stories, go to the men's basketball schedule page.
For more archived stories, click here.

 

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