Eagles Season Stays Alive with Last Second Win Over Goldey Beacom

Box Score

WATERBURY, Conn (February 25, 2010) A layup from Larry Smith with 15 seconds to play in the second half gave Post University a 72-71 win over Goldey Beacom Thursday afternoon, keeping the Eagles post-season hopes alive. Post University is now 12-16, 8-10 CACC.

“This is the best win of the year to date. Not only because of the playoff implications, but how we came back being down by 9 in the second half,” said Mike Donnelly, Post University head basketball coach. “The guys stood their ground, made stops and battled. We found a way to make shots. I feel the best way to win is by getting a stop and I am really proud.”

The Eagles were led by Spencer Smith with 17 points. Trevon Hamlet netted 14 points and 14 rebounds for the double double. Goldey Beacom's Samuel McDuffie had a game-high 18.

In the opening moments of the game, the Eagles came out on fire jumping to a 19-5 lead. With 7:33 to play in the first half, the lead was 33-18. By the time the clock had all zeros, the Lighning had charged back to trail 41-39 at the break.

For much of the second half, the teams traded buckets and eventually Goldey Beacom opened a 69-64 lead with just under seven minutes to play in the game. Post University's Trevon Hamlet pulled down a rebound off an Azeez Ellegood missed three-pointer, dishing ahead to Rashameel Vereen who laid it in to tie the game at 69. 

With 3:02 to play, Anthony Parham fouled Larry Smith who made 1-of-2 from the line making it 70-69 Eagles. On the next possession, Parham traveled to turn the ball over. Post University would take the ball up court as Nyheem Sanders launched a missed three from the left wing.

The Lightning's Kyle White missed a three of his own and Parham got the rebound, putting it back to give Goldey Beacom a 71-70 edge. Mike Donnelly called time out for the Eagles and on the next possession, White fouled Hamlet who missed both free throws. 

As time wound down, Nyheem Sanders fed Larry Smith who hit a hard fought layup giving Post a 72-71 lead with 15 seconds to play.  

The Lightning brought the ball into the front court before Sanders tied it up forcing a jump ball that would stay with Goldey Beacom. The Lightning bench called time out with 5.4 seconds on the clock. On the in-bound play beneath the basket, Goldey Beacom was not able to connect giving Post a 72-71 win.

The Eagles are now in a must win situation at USP on Saturday. If Post University wins and Nyack loses they will be in the post-season tournament.