The Berkeley College men's basketball team won its 15th consecutive game on the 2016-2017 campaign – and 39th straight program win overall – by defeating the University of Maine at Fort Kent on Saturday afternoon by a score of 74-67. With the loss, the Bengals dropped to a mar of 16-3 on the year.
Nobody has played the Knights tougher than the University of Maine at Fort Kent during Berkeley's historic winning streak. Last season – back on January 30, 2016 – the Knights needed a half-court shot at the Buzzer to defeat the Bengals 67-66 at the Borough of Manhattan Community College. Earlier this season, Berkeley led by just five point with a little over 8:30 remaining before pulling away late. Then earlier this afternoon, the Knights came away with a hard-fought seven point win. Following the game, Head Coach Chris Christiansen spoke about the toughness of the Bengals.
"The University of Maine at Fort Kent is one of those teams that matches-up well with us," Christiansen said. "They are well coached, disciplined, and patient. I was proud of the way our guys stuck together today and pulled this one out. We got contributions from many different players, and this was a very good team victory."
Ricardo Ayuso led the way for the Knights, as he connected on four three-point baskets to finish with 19 points. He also added three rebounds. Dondre Simmons and Stephon Jennings both added 14 points and nine rebounds, and Massiah Merritt contributed 14 points as well.
Despite the loss for the University of Maine at Fort Kent, the Bengals were paced by Joe McCloskey, as he posted a double-double with 19 points and 12 rebounds. Travis Harlin contributed 13 points and eight caroms, and Fred Sanchez added 12 points and six rebounds.
The Knights connected on 48.4 percent of their attempts from the floor (30-62) while the Bengals hit on 36.8 percent of theirs (25-68). The University of Maine at Fort Kent held a slim 40-39 edge on the glass, and both teams committed 11 turnovers apiece.
Berkeley College will go for its 40th consecutive program win tomorrow, as the Knights will take on the University of Maine at Presque Isle. Start-time is scheduled for 12:00pm.
