BU Men Host Columbia Lions

The Binghamton Bearcats play their final non-conference game of the season tonight (Wednesday) at the Events Center when they host the Columbia Lions from the Ivy League at 7:00 P.M. It is just the third time the teams have met with each posting home court victories.  Binghamton won the last encounter 70-42 in 2002.

Columbia brings a 3-9 record into the contest. The Lions have good size in the front court led by 6-10 forward Patrick Tape.  They are expected to be without leading scorer Mike Smith who is out with an injury.  He was averaging 15.8 points per game through eight games.

Binghamton is 4-10 and comes off a solid effort in a road loss 74-52 at second-ranked Michigan on Sunday.  Chancellor Barnard was Binghamton's top gun in that game finishing with 14 points with Caleb Stewart adding 13 more.

Coach Tommy Dempsey announced today that sophomore Albert Odero from Oneonta has left the team.  He plans to transfer to another school in search of more playing time.  He played in eight games this season and averaged 6.0 points per contest and averaged 13.4 minutes of playing time.  He saw action in 15 games last season as well.

Following tonight's game the Bearcats begin conference play on Saturday with a home game against New Hampshire at 2:00 P.M.  Following that game BU hits the road for three straight against top America East foes Stony Brook, UMBC and Vermont.