Bearcats Flat After Christmas Break

Following a 17-day break in the schedule the Binghamton Bearcats men's basketball team returned to action last night with a visit to Colgate University in Hamilton, NY.  The Bearcats were flat and ended up on the short-end of a 74-47 score.

BU started with a flash on an ally-oop feed and slam dunk from freshman Jordan Reed.  From then on the Raiders took control and were up 40-25 after the first half.  Reed earned a double-double with 12 points and 11 rebounds to pace the Bearcats along with Jimmy Gray's 12-point performance.

3-pointers killed the Bearcats as Colgate hit on 11 of them in 28 chances for 39%.  Overall the Raiders shot 51% from the floor.  The Bearcats hit just 18% from beyond the three--point line making 4 shots in 22 opportunities.  Overall the Bearcats converted

just 28% of their shots.

The Raiders were led in scoring by former Maine Black Bear Murphy Burnatowski who scored 23 points...13 in the first half.  Brandon James came off the bench to score 12 points for Colgate.  The Raiders up their record to 4-9 while the Bearcats fall to 2-10.  Colgate has won 8 of 10 meetings between the two teams.

Binghamton is off today and returns to action tomorrow (Sunday) with a 2 PM game at the Events Center against Cornell.  Coach Tommy Dempsey will be shoeless on the sideline for the Bearcats in support of the "Soles for Souls" project.  Campus members have joined with groups around the country collecting new or slightly worn shoes to send to needy people around the world.  Volunteers will be collecting fans' donated shoes at tomorrow's game.  It is also a Weis Markets "Pack the House" game.  Fans can get free ticket coupons for tomorrow's game at area Weis Markets.  Coupons can be redeemed at the Events Center Box Office.  Tomorrow's game will be simulcast on News Radio 1290 and Time Warner Cable SportsChannel beginning at 2 PM.