Bryant & Stratton College - Buffalo Bobcats Ranked #4 in USCAA Men's Basketball

BUFFALO, NY -- Moving into the post-season riding a three-game win streak, the Bryant & Stratton College - Buffalo men's basketball program is ranked fourth in the latest United States Collegiate Athletic Association (USCAA) Division I National Coaches Poll released on February 13th. 

The men's team, with a record of 16-9 this season, is currently led by two-way scoring combination, Nicc Johnson and Tyrell Mitchell; both players ranked in the USCAA top ten in scoring with around 18 points per game. Notably, Mitchell, a sophomore, primarily slashed his way to success, playing equally as well off the dribble as he did with his back to the basket, while Johnson, the Bobcat's only senior, did most of his damage from beyond the three point line, shooting 35% on the year from three-point range and pulling down an impressive 7.2 rebounds per game.

Also making tangible contributions were players such as standout guard, Damone Brown Jr., and center, Jordan Street. Brown Jr. contributed around 8 points per game on the season, but more recently seems to have hit his stride. In five of the last ten games, Brown Jr. has scored over 15 points or more, playing mulitple positions on the floor (at times playing small forward, shooting guard, or point guard), but more importantly, giving the Bobcats a third scoring threat. Meanwhile, Street averages around 8 points and 6 rebounds per contest, and continues to be a sound, physical presence in the paint, who occasionally surprises opponents with his ability to score, rebound, and make solid outlet passes to start the fast break. 

Further honorable mentions to the team's success might be the hard-nosed defense and unselfishness of Kevin Ford; sharp shooting of Taijay Williams; sound decision-making of Mike Davis; the inside play of Bryant Fulton and Jeru Molson; and newcomers, Daquan Walker and Jeriah Williams, who give the Bobcats a different look on the floor from the guard and forward positions. Rounding out the group, Warren Richardson and Markuale Pace have answered the call when asked to do the dirty work, offering tough, agressive play on the block. 

The Bryant & Stratton College - Buffalo Bobcats started off the 2018-2019 regular season with an impressive win versus then #1 ranked USCAA Division II cross-city rival, Villa Maria, but after some narrow losses on the road, seemed to go through a process of finding themselves in the first year of the program's existence. Coach Damone Brown, former standout at Syracuse University from 1997-2001 and second round NBA Draft Pick of the Philadelphia 76ers, was without a doubt one of the responsible parties for a winning record in the Bobcat's first season, leading the young team through some of its early growing pains. Brown was assisted by Al Parker and Phil Jones. 

On Friday, February 22nd, Bryant & Stratton College - Buffalo will begin their post-season schedule at the Conference Tournament held at Villa Athletic Center. The Bobcats are 7-1 in Conference play on the season. Stay tuned to buffalo.bscbobcats.com for more information!

A link to the USCAA Basketball Week 9 Coaches Poll - 2/13/19 poll can be found HERE.