Box Score
Geneva, N.Y.— For the first time in its 27-years of NCAA play, the Skidmore College men's basketball team is heading the “Big Dance” after a 68-52 win over Hamilton College in the Liberty League Championship game.
Playing in its first Liberty League final, the Thoroughbreds dominated the Continentals from start to finish, improving to 18-9. It was Skidmore's third win of the season over Hamilton (16-9) as the Continentals play in their final Liberty League tournament.
Skidmore connected on nine three pointers (47.4%) in the first half with Tournament MVP
Melvis Langyintuo (Tamale, Ghana) accounting for four of them as the Thoroughbreds took a 33-19 lead into the half.
The Thoroughbreds came out strong in the second half, pushing the lead out to as many as 20 points after back-to-back threes from
Jeff Altimar (Medfield, Mass.) and Langyintuo. The lead never got below double-digits as Skidmore controlled the tempo of the second half and secured its first NCAA Tournament berth with a 68-52 win.
Langyintuo led all scorers with 20 points.
Gerard O'Shea (West Sand Lake, N.Y.) added 10 and four assists. O'Shea and
Terron Victoria (Albany, N.Y.) joined Langyintuo on the All-Tournament Team.
Ryan Wright and Pat Sullivan of Hamilton were also named to the All-Tournament Team. They finished with 11 and 10 points respectively.
The Thoroughbreds dominated from beyond the arc, hitting 16 three-pointers compared to just one from Hamilton.
"I am thrilled for the players, their families, the school and all our fans" Skidmore coach Joe Burke said. "This is a credit to everyone involved. I also want to take a moment to thank my wife Victoria and my kids Alec, Elena and Olivia. This has been a challenging year for us personally and none of this would be possible without their love and support"
"We have big visions for this program and tonight was a result of all the hard work that has been put in since we got together for the first time in September. To be able to win the Liberty League Championship and to be heading to the NCAA tournament is a dream come true for all of us."
"We felt like we were getting better as the year went along and we just kept gaining confidence. Tonight I thought we were terrific on both ends of the floor against a very good opponent."
"We will get some much needed rest and than gear up for the selection show on Monday. This is fun stuff but this group is anxious to get back out there and play."
Skidmore will await to hear their opponent for the NCAA Tournament; the selection show will take place on Monday, Feb. 28 at 1 p.m.
