Bobcats Defeat Cougars To Close Regular Season

BATAVIA, NY -- Sunday, February 17th, Tyrell Mitchell Scored 21 points and grabbed 5 rebounds as the Bryant & Stratton College - Buffalo Bobcats (16-9) pushed past the Genessee Community College Cougars (12-13) with a final score of 85-75. 

Gearing up for a strong post-season run, the Bryant & Stratton College - Buffalo Bobcats came into Anthony T. Zambito Gymnasium at Genessee Community College on a two-game win streak. After taking down two of their stronger inter-school foes in Albany and Greece, and sending off their lone senior on the team with a win on senior day, the Bobcats seemed confident and focused. For the Cougars of Genessee Community College, there was a sense of urgency; they had lost three of the last four games and were looking to get back on track by securing a late win at home before the close of the regular season. 

In the first half, switching the starting line up slightly, Jeru Molson got the nod for the Bobcats and took full advantage of his chance to shine. Molson scored 10 points and grabbed 4 rebounds in one of his best performances all year.

However, after Molson picked up a couple of pesky fouls and went to the bench, in his place was the always consistent Nicc Johnson. Going 3-4 from the three point line, Johnson provided a much-needed lift on the offensive end late in the first half, going into the locker room with 9 points of his own. 

For the Cougars, Jarett Haines and Souleymane Gueye spearheaded the attack. Haines penetrated and got to the basket for 11 points, breaking free of a smothering and frenzied Bobcat defense; Haines also dished out 4 assists, where on more than a couple of times he would draw the attention, and it was Gueye who found himself on the receiving end. Gueye would pick up 10 points of his own before the buzzer. 

Going into halftime, the score was 39-35, Bryant & Stratton College - Buffalo with a slight advantage. 

In the second half, a relatively quiet Tyrell Mitchell changed his disposition and the Bobcats were the better for it. Mitchell finally broke loose and got out on the fast break, slashing to the hoop. With only 4 points in the first half, he also dialed in from deep with a three pointer from the corner, saluting the Bobcat bench as he ran back down the floor. Before it was said and done, he would score 17 more points and grab 3 of his 5 rebounds in the second half.

Joining him was Damone Brown Jr., who knocked down a three pointer of his own and went 5-7 from the field to score 11 points, and Jordan Street, who would contribute 6 points but also 8 big rebounds. 

Haines and Gueye continued to attack but were less effective. In their place was Jamir Cheek, who penetrated the lane, scoring 13 points against the Bobcats. Then there was Kevin Major and Javin Williams who punished the Bobcat's full-court press for not getting back and covering the open three. Major went 3-7 and Williams 2-6 from deep and kept the Cougars firing on all cylinders when the game could have easily gotten beyond their reach. 

In fact, the Cougars looked destined for one last run when Molson came back in the game to finish what he started. Molson produced 14 points and 7 rebounds. Mitchell also helped put the game out of reach as he broke away once again in the open court to score.

In the last three minutes, every time the Cougars did something to pull close, the Bobcats had an answer, and thus, on this Sunday afternoon, the game belonged to the Bryant & Stratton College - Buffalo, who improved their win streak to three straight and their regular season record to 16-9, winning the game by a final score of 85-75. The Cougars dropped their fourth game in a row. With a record of 12-13 overall, Genessee Community College will look to redeem themselves versus Jamestown Community College Wednesday, February 20th and Mercyhurst NE on Saturday, February 23rd to finish their regular season. 

NEXT GAME 

On Friday, February 22nd, Bryant & Stratton College - Buffalo will begin their post-season schedule with the Conference Tournament; seeding for the Tournament is TBA and games will be held at Villa Athletic Center. Stay tuned to buffalo.bscbobcats.com for more information!

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