The Berkeley College men's basketball team won its fourth consecutive game, defeating the Steels of Culinary Institute of America in a Hudson Valley Intercollegiate Athletic Conference contest by a score of 102-56 at the Borough of Manhattan Community College in Lower Manhattan. With the win, the Knights improved their record to 5-2 on the 2014-2015 season (2-0 HVIAC), while the Steels dipped to 5-2 (1-1 HVIAC).
Prior to the start of the game, a group of about 20 students from PS 181 in Brooklyn joined the men's team on the court, and were treated to a dunk showcase from the players, a three-point shooting contest, and the opportunity to warm up with the Berkeley student-athletes. Coach Al Bynum of the Pye Beacon Warriors coordinated with Head Coach Chris Christiansen, and arranged for some of his players to attend the game. The Berkeley men's team has built a tradition in extending itself to community service. On two previous occasions, the team has held a youth basketball clinic at IS 218 in Washington Heights and has also served the underprivileged at a lower Manhattan soup kitchen.
After the pregame festivities ended, the students took their seats and displayed their vocal enthusiasm and support as the Knights went on to win their fourth consecutive game.
The Knights were hitting on all cylinders from the start in this game, racing out to a commanding 24-2 lead in the opening 8:14. First-year standout Massiah Merritt netted eight of those 24 points for Berkeley. Following a modest 13-6 run by Steels that brought CIA to within 15 points at 30-15, the Knights would close the half with a 26-9 run to take a 56-24 edge as the first half came to a close.
In the second half, Berkeley College gradually built its lead, eventually going up by as many as 51 points before winning the game by 46.
12 different players took the court for the Knights in this one, and every one of them accounted for at least one basket. Berkeley College was paced by Merritt, as he posted a game-high 23 points while connecting on five three-point baskets. He also snatched eight rebounds, tallied five steals, and dished three assists. Guard Kenton Chan-Man contributed 14 points, six assists, two rebounds, and two steals, and Stephon Jennings accounted for 14 points (including three dunks) to go along with a game-high nine rebounds, three assists, two steals, and two blocks.
Despite the loss for Culinary Institute of America, the Steels were led by Robert Yoakum, as he nailed four three-pointers while netting a team-high 21 points. He also snatched three rebounds and accounted for two steals. Wayne McFarlane drained three triples and finished with nine points and three caroms, and Avery Britton chipped in with eight points and three rebounds.
Berkeley College connected on 51.9 percent of their shots from the floor (41-79), while the Steels only attemped 57 shots and nailed 20 of them (35.1 percent). The Knights held a whopping 50-28 edge in the rebounding department, while dishing 27 assists compared to CIA's 12. Berkeley turned the ball over 19 times while forcing 28 CIA miscues.
The Knights will have seven days off before returning to the hardwood on Sunday, December 21, as Berkeley will take on the Apprentice School in a game played at the Borough of Manhattan Community College. Start-time for that contest is scheduled for 10:00am.
