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Seven semi-pro and former Div. I ballers best Bearcats in exhibition

According to Walker, the exhibition loss will only help the team.
Sheffiu Azeez - Staff Writer

courtesy of Athletic Dept.
Junior Jeffrey St. Fort struggled from the floor in the first exhibition game of the season, shooting 4 for 11, but had six rebounds for BU.

On Saturday, the Binghamton University men’s basketball team began its season with a disappointing 88-76 exhibition loss at home to Upstate AAU, a traveling club team made up of former Div. I collegiate and semi-pro players.

With two weeks until the start of the regular season, BU Coach Al Walker opted to give every player on his squad time on the floor.

The Bearcats kept it close at halftime, trailing 35-33, but couldn’t compete with the sharp-shooting AAU squad in the second half.

Despite only dressing seven players, AAU out-shot, out-rebounded, and out-played BU after the break, shooting 64 percent from the field and 5 for 7 from three-point range. Arthur Davis led the team with 27 points and dominated from behind the arc, shooting 7 for 11 from three-point range.

“Their three-pointers just kept falling,” said junior forward Stanley Ocitti. “These guys were hitting from behind NBA three-point distance like it was nothing.”

“We didn’t play very well,” said BU Coach Al Walker. “We missed a lot of shots and didn’t defend like we should.”

Ocitti scored nine points in 23 minutes, but only shot 4 for 12 from the field. Junior forward Jeffrey St. Fort also had some shooting troubles going 4 for 11, but managed to put up 10 points and grab six rebounds in the game.

Junior guard Anthony Green and senior forward Jeffrey Daws each scored 12 points, while senior center Joost Ooms put away 10 with seven rebounds.

According to Walker, the exhibition loss will only help the team. “Every game, practice, film session or day in the weight room helps us get ready for the season,”said Walker.

The Bearcats will have another tough test on Sunday at noon, when they host the former Canadian national champions, Bishop’s University.