Bearcats Storm Back But Fall to Columbia

The Binghamton Bearcats men's basketball team turned a dismal first half into an outstanding second half only to suffer heartbreak in the closing second.  It was an emotional rollercoaster for the Bearcats and their fans as the Columbia Lions defeated BU 65-63.

The Bearcats trailed 35-22 at the half but rallied to tie the game in the closing seconds of the contest.   With just over two seconds left Columbia called a timeout to set up an inbounds play.  After nearly being shutdown they got a pass to Gabe Stefanini who lifted a shot towards the basket as the end of game buzzer sounded.  The shot went in and after review was ruled good to give Columbia a 65-63 victory.

The Bearcats never would have come this close were it not for the standout effort of freshman Sam Sessoms.  Sessoms displayed one of BU's all-time best shooting displays firing in seven three-point baskets over the second half of play.  His 21 points in the second half carried Binghamton back from the edge of defeat.  Sessoms ended up with a game-high  25 points.

Caleb Stewart scored 14 points for the Bearcats as well as grabbing five rebounds and blocking five shots.  Binghamton made 12 of 21 three-point shots  for 57 percent from beyond the arc.  The difference in the game came at the free throw line.  Columbia made 13 of 16 foul shots while the Bearcats struggled going just three for ten at the line.