Berkeley College NY Knights

Institution Website | Athletics Website | Staff Directory

Team Colors: Royal Blue and White
Address:
3 East 43rd Street
New York, NY 10017

Athletics Phone: 646-948-1361
Enrollment: 4,000
Founded: 1931
President: Diane Recinos, Ed.D.


Name Title Phone Email
Sherrille Shabazz, Ed.D. Vice President, Student Development and Campus Life 646-948-1361 srh@berkeleycollege.edu
Jon Pena Head Men's Basketball Coach 646-944-5007 jonathan-pena2@berkeleycollege.edu
Candice DeRisi Interim Head Women Basketball Coach 646-273-0147 candice-derisi@berkeleycollege.edu

 

News

  • Berkeley College's Rodnesha Diamond Competes in CBC Championship
    July 10, 2014

    The Berkeley College (NY) Women's Basketball team has solidified itself as one of the United States Collegiate Athletic Conference's premiere squads, as the Knights are coming off of their second straight season in which they qualified for at least the semifinal round of the USCAA National Women's Basketball Tournament. Winning a National title will once again be the primary goal for Berkeley during the 2014-2015 campaign, and for one member of the women's basketball team – preparation for achieving that feat is already underway.

    Berkeley College women's basketball player Rodnesha Diamond – who was honored with the "Coaches Award" at the First Annual Berkeley College Athletic Banquet this past May – is currently competing in the CBC Championship (Caribebasket).

    The CBC Championship is a FIBA-sponsored basketball tournament in which National teams from the Caribbean participate. These countries comprise the Caribbean Basketball Confederation (CBC). The top three or four teams earn berths to the Centrobasket Championship where those squads compete for sports in the FIBA Americas Championship. Teams that advance in the FIBA Americas Championship can qualify for the FIBA World Championships or Olympics. Berkeley College Women's Basketball Head Coach Sharod Tomlinson believes this experience will greatly benefit Rodnesha Diamond.

    "Rodnesha is competing against a plethora of great players in these games," Tomlinson said. "Players that she's going up against have played at the Division I and II levels, and some of them have professional basketball experience. Having the opportunity to compete against great players will allow her to display her talents to the world, and she will gain a tremendous amount of confidence heading into her upcoming season of basketball at Berkeley College. It will also serve as a positive life experience for her, as this will increase her leadership skills as a person. I'm excited for her, and proud of her initiative."

    There are currently 24 Caribbean countries that may compete in this event, and the celebration of the tournament typically takes place every two years. Diamond – who is a native of St. Vincent – is playing for the St. Vincent and Grenadines teams.

    The Berkeley College women's basketball team will begin its season on the road the weekend of November 8-9, when the Knights will take on Southern Maine Community College and the University of Maine-Machias on back-to-back afternoons.
  • Berkeley College (NY) Men's Basketball Player Alexander Loniakan Named to HVIAC Winter-Spring All Academic Team
    July 09, 2014

    Earlier this month, the Hudson Valley Intercollegiate Athletic Conference announced its 2014 Winter-Spring All Academic Team, and the Berkeley College Department of Athletics is proud to announce that New York Men’s Basketball player Alexander Loniakan was one of 90 student-athletes recognized on that squad. Instituted by the Hudson Valley Intercollegiate Athletic Conference in the 2010-2011 season, the All-Academic Team is comprised of student-athletes who excel both on the court/field, and in the classroom.

    “Alex is a phenomenal student who is very dedicated to his studies,” Head Coach Chris Christiansen said. “His diligent efforts in school will make his transition into the workforce smooth and successful. As it pertains to his athletic ability, Alex has always served as a great teammate and influence. He was a hard worker who always kept the mood light. Our club is going to miss his contributions next season.”

    Loniakan is an International Business major, and currently holds a 3.9 GPA. He is scheduled to graduate this August.

    This past March, he was honored by the United States Collegiate Athletic Association at the conference’s National Tournament banquet, as the Swedish guard was tabbed to the Academic All-American team for the 2013-2014 season.

    The All-Academic Team consists of student-athletes who have reached sophomore academic standing and have earned a 3.5 cumulative grade point average or better at the conclusion of the spring semester, and participate in one of the Hudson Valley Intercollegiate Athletic Conference’s winter or spring sports – men's and women's basketball, women's swimming, men's volleyball, men's tennis, softball and baseball.
  • Slow start too much for Berkeley College (NY) women's basketball team to overcome as Knights fall to Mustangs 56-48 in semifinals of 2014 USCAA National Basketball Tournament
    March 09, 2014


    The Berkeley College (NY) women’s basketball team’s push for a return trip to the USCAA National Basketball Tournament Championship Game was cut short, as the No. 4 seeded Knights fell to the No. 1 seeded Mustangs of Central Maine C.C. by a score of 56-48 Friday evening at the Main Arena in Uniontown, PA.

    A slow start doomed the Knights in their loss to the Mustangs, as Berkeley missed its first nine shots from the floor and fell behind 9-0 just 4:46 into the game. Knights junior forward Patricia Patterson got her team on the board when she nailed a three-point basket to pull Berkeley to within six points at 9-3.

    Unfortunately for the Knights, Patterson’s three-point basket would account for one of only seven shots Berkeley would sink in the game’s first 20 minutes, as the Mustangs held the Knights to 18.4 percent shooting in the opening stanza (7-38) and took a 32-22 lead into the locker room at halftime.

    The early stages of the second half saw Central Maine C.C. expand its lead, as the Mustangs increased their edge to 19 points – 43-24 – with 15:58 remaining in the game. Just as it appeared the Knights were going to go quietly, they began their run.

    Junior forward Milan Germany converted on a layup with 15:00 remaining, and the All-American standout later drilled two free throws to bring her team to within 15 points at 43-28 with 14:32 left on the clock. The Knights spent the ensuing 6:26 of the game chipping away, as Berkeley eventually would slice the Mustangs’ lead to seven at 47-40 with just over eight minutes remaining.

    Central Maine C.C. sophomore guard Susie French would connect on a three-point basket with a little under seven minutes remaining to put the Mustangs back up by double figures – 50-40. The Knights - despite keeping the game close and giving themselves a chance – were only able to convert on two fields in the closing eight minutes of game – and never got closer than seven points down – as the Mustangs held on for an eight point victory.

    Despite the loss for Berkeley College, it was Germany pacing the Knights with a team-high 20 points, and game-highs in rebounds with 16 and blocks with three. Patterson added seven points, 12 rebounds, and three steals, as well.

    In the victory for the Mustangs, Central Maine C.C. was paced by the hot shooting of French, as she nailed nine of her 20 attempts from the floor en route to finishing with a game-high of 22 points. She also snatched nine rebounds, dished five assists, and collected three steals. Sophomore forward Laura Soohey added 12 points and a team-high 12 rebounds, as well.

    Neither team shot well from the floor, as the Mustangs hit on just 30.8 percent of their attempts (20-65), while the Knights were only able to nail 15 of their 74 shots (20.3 percent). The Mustangs held a slight edge in the rebounding department, grabbing 57 caroms to Berkeley’s 54, and Central Maine C.C. dished 14 assists to the Knights’ seven. Berkeley scored 25 points off of 26 Mustang turnovers, while Central Maine C.C. netted 21 points off of 21 Knights mistakes.

    With the loss, Berkeley’s season finalized at 14-7. Central Maine Community College – who improved to a mark of 28-2 with Friday’s triumph – lost the title game to Cincinnati-Clermont on Saturday evening, 69-51.
  • Berkeley College (NJ) men's basketball team wraps-up 2013-2014 season with 84-72 victory over Central Penn in consolation game of 2014 USCAA National Basketball Tournament
    March 07, 2014


    The Berkeley College (NJ) men’s basketball team finalized their season in winning fashion Friday morning, turning back Central Penn by a score of 84-72 at the Maltho Gymnasium in the consolation bracket of the 2014 USCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament. With the win, Berkeley capped their 2013-2014 campaign with a 19-11 overall record.

    A three-point basket by sophomore guard Dukens Germain gave the Knights their biggest lead of the first half – a 34-28 edge – with 4:24 remaining in the opening session. Central Penn would then finish the half strong, going on a 10-4 run to knot the game at 38 apiece as the teams headed into the locker room at halftime.

    In the second half, Berkeley College took control of the contest. The Knights built a 12 point lead – 61-49 – and never let Central Penn get any closer than seven points down.

    Five players scored in double figures for Berkeley College, including freshman guard William Morton who played 26 minutes off of the bench and posted a team-high 18 points and a game-high seven steals. Sophomore guard Andrew Tomlin netted 13 points, grabbed four rebounds, dished three assists, and collected three steals. Additionally, freshman center Thaddeus Dalton dropped-in 13 points, snatched six caroms and blocked two shots, and Germain and sophomore guard Hassan Abdullah scored 13 and 11 points, respectively.

    Central Penn was paced by Devon Dorsey who posted game-highs in points with 22 and rebounds with 14 in a losing cause. Maalik Rochester added 12 points, nine rebounds and two steals, and Rafeeg Bush netted 10 points and snatched four rebounds.

    Berkeley’s defense was phenomenal all game, as the Knights forced 27 Central Penn turnovers while collecting 20 steals. Additionally, Berkeley held Central Penn to just 35.7 percent shooting (25-70), and the Knights’ bench outscored Central Penn’s 39-10.
  • Jubilation after Midnight: Berkeley College (NY) women's basketball team punches ticket to USCAA National Tournament semifinals with 77-75 overtime victory over Penn State Beaver in quarterfinals
    March 07, 2014


    For the second consecutive season, the Berkeley College (NY) women’s basketball team will be playing in the semifinals of the USCAA National Basketball Tournament, as earlier this morning, the No. 4 seeded Knights outlasted the No. 5 seeded Nittany Lions of Penn State Beaver in the quarterfinal round by a score of 77-75 in overtime at the Maltho Arena in Uniontown, PA. With the victory, the Knights now advance to play No. 1 seeded Central Penn tomorrow evening in the Main Arena at 9:00pm, with a chance to qualify for the National Championship Game. With the loss, Penn State Beaver will battle Warren Wilson in the consolation bracket tomorrow at 4:00pm.

    In a game that lasted two hours and six minutes and concluded at 12:56am, the Knights took their fans on a roller coaster ride. At the half, Penn State Beaver led Berkeley by a score of 39-30, and the Nittany Lions ballooned their lead up to 14 – 52-38 – with 14:14 remaining in the contest. At that point, the Knights began storming back.

    Senior guard Aiyesha Brown started Berkeley’s push by nailing a three-point basket. Following a turnover by Penn State Beaver’s Cassandra Flowers, junior guard Janay Thomas drilled a triple to bring the Knights to within eight points at 52-44. The Nittany Lions would then turn the ball over again, which led to Brown driving in for a layup to cut her team’s deficit to six points. With 12:39 remaining in the game, the Knights found themselves trailing 52-46.

    Penn State Beaver then responded with a modest 5-3 run to push back ahead 57-49, but a 9-0 Berkeley College run – capped by a three-point basket by junior forward Milan Germany – put the Knights up one – 58-57. It was the first time the Knights held a lead since being up 23-22 with 7:12 remaining in the first half.

    After a basket by Nittany Lions guard Natalie Gamble gave Penn State Beaver the lead again at 59-58, Berkeley scored the next eight points (a spurt that included a basket and two converted freebees by Thomas, a pair of made free throws by Brown, and a layup by Germany) to go back up 66-59 with 4:15 remaining in the game.

    Penn State Beaver – despite relinquishing a 14 point lead earlier in the stanza and finding themselves in between a rock and a hard place – didn’t quit. A layup by flowers, a pair of free throws by sophomore guard Morgan Kurtz, and another two freebee conversions by Flowers pulled the Nittany Lions back to within a point – 66-65 – with just under two minutes remaining.
    Later, with the Knights holding a 69-67 lead, Penn State Beaver sophomore guard Khalia Adams would convert on a layup to tie the game. With only five seconds remaining in regulation, Thomas took the inbounds pass and began to dribble before giving the ball up to Germany. Germany only got to half court before heaving a desperation shot that was off, sending the game into an extra session.

    The Nittany Lions scored the first four points of the extra session – all at the line – as Penn State Beaver held a 73-69 lead. A layup by Thomas brought Berkeley to within two points with 1:28 to go, but the Nittany Lions responded with a converted layup by Adams. With 1:13 remaining, the Knights found themselves down four points.

    On Berkeley’s next possession, Germany nailed a three pointer from the corner to pull her team to within a point at 75-74. On Penn State Beaver’s next possession, Thomas came up with a huge steal, snatching the ball away from Nittany Lions freshman guard Mason Depetro and driving all the way to the hoop before laying it in, giving Berkeley a 76-75 edge.

    The Nittany Lions still had a chance to take the lead, but on their next possession, freshman guard Sydnee Abernathy would miss a layup. The ball was rebounded by Flowers, who would then turn the ball over. On Berkeley’s next possession, Germany would turn the ball over, as Abernathy would come up with the steal and feed Kurtz, who would have her layup blocked by the Knights’ Tiera Williams. Williams then grabbed the ball and was fouled.

    Williams then went to the charity stripe, where she knocked down the first of her two attempts. The second attempt was off, and the rebound was grabbed by Flowers. Penn State Beaver would turn the ball over in the front court, though, and Aiyesha Brown would run out the clock to give Berkeley an exhilarating two point overtime victory in the quarterfinal round.

    Thomas and Brown were tied for the game-high in points scored, as both standouts netted 25 points. Thomas also tallied four steals, grabbed three rebounds, and dished three assists, and Brown had a game-high six steals while pulling down three rebounds. Germany posted a double-double with 16 points and a team-high 11 rebounds, and forward Patricia Patterson dropped-in nine points while snatching 10 boards.

    In a losing effort for Penn State Beaver, the Nittany Lions got 22 points from Kurtz, who connected on 11 of her 15 attempts from the charity stripe. She also grabbed 10 rebounds as well. Flowers put together one of the more stellar performances in recent quarterfinal round history, as she posted a double-double with 20 points, and game-highs in rebounds with 23 and blocks with four. Adams struggled with her shot, nailing just four of 16 attempts from the floor, but she did finish with 11 points.

    The Knights won the game despite missing 17 free throws (15-32, 46.9 percent), and getting out-rebounded by an astounding margin of 68-35. Berkeley College’s defense was fantastic, however, as the Knights forced 30 Penn State Beaver turnovers, and swatted nine shots compared to six for the Nittany Lions. Finally, Berkeley held an 18-9 edge in the steals department.

    Keep it posted to Berkeley College’s athletics website - http://berkeleycollege.edu/athletics/ - for all of the latest 2014 USCAA National Basketball Tournament information.
  • Knights can't capitalize on fast start as Berkeley College (NJ) men's basketball team's National title push ends with 91-86 loss to Penn State York
    March 06, 2014


    The No. 7 seeded Berkeley College (NJ) men’s basketball team fought valiantly, but ultimately fell in the quarterfinal round of the 2014 USCAA National Basketball Tournament, losing to the No. 2 seeded Nittany Lions of Penn State York by a score of 91-86 Thursday afternoon at the Main Arena in Uniontown, PA.

    Things looked promising for the Knights in the first half, as Berkeley opened up a 16-point first half lead – 44-28 – with 3:47 remaining in the opening stanza. A 12-3 run by Penn State York cut the Knights’ lead to seven points at 47-40, but a layup by freshman center Vince Richmond at the buzzer gave the Knights a 49-40 edge as the teams entered the locker room at halftime.

    The Nittany Lions completed their comeback and took the lead for good when freshman guard Lucas Jewell would hit a jumper to put Penn State York up 58-56 with 14:31 left. From there, the Nittany Lions would go up by as many as 10 points, and Penn State York led by as many as seven – 87-80 – with just under a minute remaining in the game. Berkeley – however – continued to battle. A layup by sophomore guard Dukens Germain was followed by a turnover by Jewell. The Knights inbounded the ball to junior forward Carl O’Neil who dropped in a layup to pull his team to within three points with 45 seconds left.

    Five seconds later, Nittany Lions junior guard Tyler Martin would turn the ball over, and junior guard Josh Jamison would commit a foul, hacking O’Neil. That would send O’Neil to the line for a one-and-one opportunity, but he would misfire on the attempt. From there, Penn State York would connect on all eight of their free throw attempts, eventually hanging on to win the game by six points.

    Despite the loss for the Knights, Germain led the way for Berkeley, scoring a team-high 20 points to go along with seven rebounds and four steals. O’Neil added 17 points and seven rebounds, and sophomore guard Hassan Abdullah scored 12 points off of the bench.

    In the win for Penn State York, the Nittany Lions were led by Jewell, as he scored a game-high 22 points off of the bench. He also added seven assists and three rebounds as well. Martin finalized his afternoon with 21 points a game-high nine assists, and Jamison connected on nine of his 12 shots and finished with 19 points.

    The Nittany Lions shot 75 percent from the floor in the second half (21-28), while connecting on 57.4 percent of their attempts for the game (35-61). On the flip side, Berkeley College hit on 34 of their 75 shots (45.3 percent). The teams each pulled down 39 rebounds apiece, and Penn State York dished 21 assists to the Knights’ 12.

    With the loss, the Knights dropped to 18-11 on the season, and will finalize their 2013-2014 campaign tomorrow with a game against Central Penn College at 10:00am. Penn State York advances to the semifinal round of the tournament, where they will battle No. 6 seeded Andrews University at 3:00pm.
  • Fast start propells Berkeley College (NY) men's basketball team to 87-67 win over Penn State Fayette on day two of USCAA National Basketball Tournament
    March 06, 2014



    The Berkeley College (NY) men’s basketball team wrapped-up its season on a positive note, defeating the Roaring Lions of Penn State Fayette by a score of 87-67 in the consolation bracket of the play-in round of the 2014 USCAA National Basketball Tournament at the Maltho Arena in Uniontown, PA.

    The Knights were hitting on all cylinders from the start. Sophomore guard Keenan Langston began the scoring with a pair of free throws before following that up with a three-point basket as Berkeley grabbed a 5-0 lead in the opening 2:23. Following a pair of converted freebees by Roaring Lions junior forward Matt McKenna, the Knights put together a 16-1 run (a spurt that included nine points by senior guard Jovan Bovell) to take a 21-3 advantage with just over 14 minutes remaining the session.

    Berkeley grabbed its biggest lead of the first half when senior guard Mario Guzman connected on a jumper to give the Knights a 39-13 edge with 4:38 left in the opening stanza. The Roaring Lions were able to close the half on a 15-5 run, but the Knights were still in the driver’s seat, holding a 44-28 lead as the teams entered the locker room at halftime.

    In the second half, Penn State Fayette closed the gap to 13 points – 50-37 – with 14:36 remaining in the game. The Knights kept the Roaring Lions at bay, though. Freshman center Ahmed Dickerson would slam the ball home to stop the bleeding, and following a converted free throw by Penn State Fayette’s Darius Mack, back-to-back baskets by senior guard Richard Rampersad and Bovell put the Knights ahead by 18 – 56-38 – with 12:46 left on the clock.

    From there, the Knights never let Penn State Fayette get any closer than 12 points down. Berkeley ultimately built its lead back up to as many as 21 points before eventually going on to win the game by 20 points.

    In the victory for the Knights, Berkeley was paced by Bovell, who connected on nine of his 15 attempts from the floor en route to finishing with a team-high 24 points. Additionally, the senior grabbed four rebounds and dished four assists as well. Dickerson nailed eight of his 10 shots and finalized his afternoon with 19 points, a game-high nine rebounds, and three assists, and senior guard Alexander Loniakan drilled four three-pointers and contributed 12 points.

    Despite the loss for Penn State Fayette, the Roaring Lions got a tremendous effort from McKenna, as he netted a game-high 26 points while grabbing seven rebounds and tallying two steals. Sophomore guard Luke Williams added 14 points, and junior forward Jacob Bronder and freshman guard Dominick Jackson each contributed 11 points.

    Berkeley was absolutely stellar shooting the basketball, as the Knights connected on 62.5 percent of their shots from the floor for the afternoon (33-53) compared to 45.3 percent for Penn State Fayette (24-53). The Knights hit 13 of their 18 attempts from the charity stripe (13-18), while the Roaring Lions misfired on 12 freebees (17-29, 58.6 percent). Berkeley held a 33-27 edge in the rebounding department, and also dished 19 assists to Penn State Fayette’s 14. Finally, Berkeley scored 26 points off of 19 Penn State Fayette turnovers.

    With the win, the Knights finalized their season with a record of 15-10, while Penn State Fayette’s campaign closed at 13-16.
  • Berkeley College (NJ) men's basketball team outlasts Penn State Fayette 91-88 in overtime in play-in round of 2014 USCAA National Basketball Tournament
    March 06, 2014

    The No. 7 seeded Berkeley College (NJ) men’s basketball team picked up a thrilling victory on Wednesday evening, defeating the No. 10 seeded Roaring Lions of Penn State Fayette by a score of 91-88 in overtime in the play-in game of the 2014 USCAA National Basketball Tournament at the Main Arena in Uniontown, PA. With the victory, the Knights improved to a record of 18-10 on the season and advanced to the quarterfinal round of the tourney, where they will face No. 2 seeded Penn State York at 2:00pm. Penn State Fayette will face Berkeley College (NY) tomorrow at 1:15pm.

    In what was a tightly-contested first half, the teams found themselves knotted at 17 with 6:09 remaining in the opening stanza. The Roaring Lions then put together a 7-0 run over the ensuing 1:58, a spurt that included a basket and two converted free throws by junior forward Matt McKenna, and a three-point basket by junior forward Dierre Jenkins. With 4:11 left in the session, Penn State Fayette led 24-17.

    The Knights turned up the voltage following that 7-0 run by the Roaring Lions, as Berkeley answered with a 13-0 run of its own, a stretch that was highlighted by five points from junior guard Darryl Robinson (freshman guard Jabree Jackson also accounted for four points during the run). Berkeley held a 30-24 lead, and would eventually enter the locker room at halftime holding a 37-33 edge.

    In the second half, there were a number of occasions where it appeared as though the Knights would run away with the game, but Penn State Fayette battled each time and stayed in the game. Berkeley opened up its biggest lead of the game – a 10 point edge (47-37) – following a layup from Andrew Tomlin. A 15-4 Roaring Lions run – capped by a three-point basket by junior guard Derek Jones – gave Penn State Fayette a 52-51 lead with 12:41 to go.

    The Knights regained their composure and eventually jumped back ahead 66-59 with 9:39 left, and later, Berkeley seemed to be in prime position to win the game up 78-72 with just 3:20 remaining. The Roaring Lions would not go away though, outscoring the Knights 6-0 over the ensuing 1:43 to tie the game at 78 apiece.

    With time winding down in regulation, and the Knights holding for one shot, Berkeley put the ball in the hands of sophomore guard Dukens Germain, who has made so many clutch shots throughout the season for his team. His three-point attempt at the buzzer was off, though, sending the game into overtime.

    In the extra period, the Knights scored the first four points, thanks to baskets by freshmen William Morton and Thaddeus Dalton. Berkeley College led 82-78, but a 5-0 run by Penn State Fayette gave the Roaring Lions an 83-82 advantage with 2:58 left. 55 seconds later, a basket by Dalton pushed Berkeley back ahead 84-83, but a three point play by Penn State Fayette’s McKenna gave the Roaring Lions an 86-84 lead.

    Over the next 53 seconds of overtime, the teams would trade baskets, and Penn State Fayette held an 88-86 lead. Germain then drove to the basket and converted on a layup, tying the game at 88 apiece. Later - a made free throw by sophomore guard Hassan Abdullah, and a pair of converted freebees by Morton, gave the Knights a 91-88 lead.

    Berkeley’s Tasheen Carrow went to the free throw line with nine seconds remaining, and with Penn State Fayette out of timeouts, just one made free throw would have likely sealed the deal, as it would have made it a two possession game. Carrow, however, misfired on both free throws, giving Penn State Fayette a chance to tie. Sophomore Luke Williams’ desperation three point shot at the buzzer was off, though, giving the Knights the victory as Berkeley College’s bench erupted in celebration.

    In the victory for the Knights, Morton paced his squad with a team-high 24 points (while converting all seven of his attempts from the charity stripe) and grabbing three rebounds while also tallying two steals. Junior forward Carl O’Neil added 11 points and seven rebounds, and Germain finalized his night with 10 points and seven caroms.

    Despite the loss for the Roaring Lions, Penn State Fayette got a tremendous effort from McKenna, as he posted game-highs in points with 27 and rebounds with 10. Sophomore guard 
    C.J. Gaddis and Williams each dropped in 12 points apiece, and junior guard Jones added 10.

    The Knights shot a blistering 47.9 percent from the floor for the night (35-73) while holding the Roaring Lions to just 38.8 percent shooting (26-67). Berkeley dished 16 assists to Penn State Fayette’s 13, and the Knights also held a staggering 52-23 edge in bench points. The Roaring Lions out-rebounded Berkeley College 49-42, while also connecting on 10 three point baskets to the Knights’ one.

    Keep it posted to Berkeley College’s athletics website - http://berkeleycollege.edu/athletics/ - for all of the latest 2014 USCAA National Basketball Tournament information.
  • Berkeley College (NY) men's basketball team defeated by Penn State Beaver 76-68 in play-in round of 2014 USCAA National Basketball Tournament
    March 05, 2014

    The No. 9 seeded Berkeley College (NY) men’s basketball team lost in the play-in round of the 2014 USCAA National Basketball Tournament, falling to the No. 8 seeded Nittany Lions of Penn State Beaver by a score of 76-68 in a game played at the Main Arena in Uniontown, PA. With the loss, the Knights saw their quest for a National title come to an end, as their record dipped to 14-10 on the season. Berkeley will play one more game this season, and that will come tomorrow afternoon against Penn State Fayette at 1:15pm. With the victory, Penn State Beaver advances to the quarterfinal round of the tournament tomorrow, as they will take on No. 1 seeded Central Maine C.C., with game-time scheduled for 5:30pm.

    The first half of the game saw the Knights fall behind early, as Penn State Beaver hit six of their first 11 shots from the field en route to taking 14-5 lead, which turned out to be their largest lead of the opening session. Later - with 8:35 remaining in the half, the Knights’ defense came on strong as Berkeley made a run. In a span of 6:07, the Knights allowed just one Nittany Lion field goal while putting together an 11-3 run and taking a 32-30 lead. Penn State Beaver would score the final four points of the period to take a 34-32 advantage into the locker room at halftime.

    The second stanza began with the Knights hitting on all cylinders. Just 14 seconds into the half, senior guard Jovan Bovell knocked down a three point basket to put Berkeley back on top 35-34. After senior forward Chris Weathers dropped in a layup to give the Nittany Lions the lead again (36-35), Knights senior guard Richard Rampersad connected on a triple to push Berkeley ahead 38-36.

    From there, neither team would grab bigger than a three point lead until Weathers knocked down a three-point basket to give his team a 52-48 edge with 9:36 to go in the contest. The Knights stayed close, as they trailed just 60-56 with 4:45 remaining. From there, Penn State Beaver would put together an 11-3 run (while allowing just one Berkeley field goal) over the ensuing 3:50 to take a 71-59 lead and essentially punch their ticket to the quarterfinal round of the tournament. Berkeley College did score nine points in the final minute, but that was all window dressing as the Nittany Lions drained five of their six free throw attempts in the waning moments to account for an eight point victory.

    Despite the loss for the Knights, Berkeley College was paced by sophomore guard Keenan Langston who scored team-high 14 points to go along with four rebounds. Bovell added 13 points to go along with seven rebounds and five assists, and senior guard Mario Guzman drained three triples and finalized his evening with 12 points.

    In the victory for Penn State Beaver, the Nittany Lions got a tremendous effort from sophomore forward Rob Agurs, as he scored a game-high 26 points while nailing 16 of 22 of his attempts from the charity stripe. He also grabbed five rebounds, dished three assists, tallied two steals and blocked two shots. Weathers was also impressive as he dropped in 25 points and snatched three caroms, and senior guard Nick Miller added 16 points in the win.

    Free throw attempt efficiency was pivotal in this one, as Penn State Beaver took 36 shots from the charity stripe while drilling 28 of them (77.8 percent), while the Knights attempted just 19 free throws while hitting 10 (52.6 percent). The Nittany Lions doubled-up Berkeley in points off turnovers, as Penn State Beaver netted 22 points off Knights miscues compared to Berkeley’s 11 in that category. The Nittany Lions dished 12 assists to Berkeley’s nine, while the Knights held a slight 42-37 edge on the glass.

    Keep it posted to Berkeley College’s athletics website - http://berkeleycollege.edu/athletics/ - for all of the latest 2014 USCAA National Basketball Tournament information.
  • Eight Berkeley College basketball standouts recognized at 2014 USCAA National Basketball Tournament Banquet on Tuesday evening
    March 05, 2014


    The USCAA announced its Division II men’s and women’s basketball All-American and Academic All-American lists Tuesday evening at the 2014 USCAA Basketball National Tournament Banquet at the Nemacolin Woodlands Resort in Farmington, PA, and Berkeley College’s three basketball teams were well represented. A total of eight Berkeley student-athletes were recognized on the evening, including five Second Team selections, and one Honorable Mention.

    Berkeley’s Lady Knights had two Second Team All-American selections, including senior guard Aiyesha Brown and junior forward Milan Germany. Brown’s 16.5 points per game ties her for the team lead in that category, and she also averages five rebounds per contest as well. The 5’7, Jamaica, NY native has also collected 24 steals on the season, an average of two per game. Germany – like Brown – currently averages 16.5 points per game (she’s logged 15 games this season), and boasts a team-high nine rebounds per game. Head Coach Sharod Tomlinson was extremely proud of his two standouts.

    “Aiyesha and Milan have done a fantastic job of leading by example this season, and they are extremely deserving of the recognition that they’ve garnered by the USCAA,” Tomlinson said. “Seeing their diligent efforts pay off in this fashion is something that I am very proud of, and it’s something that they’ll take with them forever.”

    The New York men’s basketball team had four players recognized, including senior guard Alex Loniakan who was named to the Academic All-American Team early in the evening. Senior guard Jovan Bovell – who has played in all 22 games for the Knights this season – was an Honorable Mention. The Jamaica High School product has put forth a versatile 2013-2014 campaign for his group, averaging 11.5 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 3.9 assists per game. Senior center Elijah Craig and sophomore guard Keenan Langston both earned status as Second Team All-Americans. Craig currently averages nine points and a team-high 10.1 caroms for the Knights, and his 50 blocks lead the team and the USCAA. Langston has dazzled all season, as he leads Berkeley with his 16.4 points per game average. His shooting percentages are especially impressive, as he has shot 76.3 percent from the line and 45.5 percent from the floor. Head Coach Chris Christian highly praised his four honorees.

    “There were certainly was a fair amount of anxiety leading up to the announcements, but the ultimate reward was hearing the names of the student-athletes be announced and seeing the smiles on their faces,” Christiansen said. “Alex is an ace student in the classroom, and serves as a great teammate and influence. Jovan, Elijah, and Keenan have all been so pivotal for this team on the court this season, and their tireless efforts have culminated in them receiving All-American recognition. I’m very happy for them.

    New Jersey’s men’s basketball team also had a pair of honorees. Junior guard Darryl Robinson was named to the Academic All-American team earlier in the evening, and sophomore guard Dukens Germain was tabbed as a Second Team All-American. In 20 games played this season, Germain has paced the Knights offensively, averaging 15.3 points per game. He also has snatched 7.1 rebounds per contest, and his shooting percentages have been on-point, as the Maplewood, NJ native has knocked-down 72.6 percent of his free throw attempts while also connecting on 43.8 percent of his shots from the field. Head Coach Anthony Calabrese was gratified by his student-athletes’ accomplishments.

    “Darryl Robinson is an individual who has a tremendous future ahead of him,” Calabrese said. “He is very dedicated to his studies, and it’s a wonderful thing to see. As for Dukens – he has been a great leader this year. His versatility is a huge asset for our team, as he can score, grab rebounds, and play defense. He can do it all, and that is what makes him so dangerous. I’m very proud of Darryl and Dukens.”

    Here is the recapped list of all Berkeley College award winners:

    Women’s Basketball
    Aiyesha Brown – Second Team All-American
    Milan Germany – Second Team All-American

    NY Men’s Basketball

    Alexander Loniakan – Academic All-American
    Elijah Craig – Second Team All-American
    Keenan Langston – Second Team All-American
    Jovan Bovell – Honorable Mention

    NJ Men’s Basketball

    Darryl Robinson – Academic All-American
    Dukens Germain – Second Team All-American

    Earlier in the day at the USCAA skills competition, Berkeley College (NY) freshman center Ahmed Dickerson won the dunk competition. Also qualifying for the top three in the contest was Dukens Germain from the New Jersey basketball team. Richard Rampersad competed in the three-point competition and advanced to the semifinals.

    To follow the Knights and Lady Knights in their quest for a National Championship, visit the USCAA website – www.theUSCAA.com. Live statistics and live video streaming will be available for select games. Recaps of all Berkeley College contests will be available by the Knights’ athletics website at http://berkeleycollege.edu/athletics/.
  • Dukens Germain's jumper with two seconds remaining propels New Jersey Basketball team to 79-77 victory over Patriots in regular season finale
    February 27, 2014



    The Berkeley College (NJ) Men’s Basketball team rallied back from a nine point second half deficit to defeat the Patriots of Valley Forge Christian College by a score of 79-77 Thursday evening in Phoenixville, PA. It was the fourth consecutive victory for the Knights, who improved their overall record to 17-10 on the season as they look towards Wednesday’s USCAA National Tournament quarterfinal round game against Penn State Fayette. The Patriots had their two-game winning streak snapped, as they dropped to 14-11 on the year.

    The Knights – who trailed 31-27 at halftime and by as many as nine points in the second half – found themselves down 73-66 with just 4:00 remaining in the game. From there, Berkeley College turned up the voltage and stormed back. In a span of 49 seconds, sophomore guard Hassan Abdullah would connect on a three-point basket and later drain a pair of free throws to pull his team to within two points. That was followed by a converted layup by junior forward Carl O’Neil. With 2:44 to go, the game was tied at 73 apiece.

    Valley Forge Christian College would retake the lead when senior guard Antonio Malone would bank-in a layup to put the Patriots up 75-73 with 1:48 remaining. 22 seconds later, Berkeley tied the game when O’Neil dropped in a pair of free throws. With just 86 seconds left on the clock, the game was knotted at 75.

    Patriots’ junior guard Kevin Mack would knock down the second of two free throw attempts with 1:16 left to put Valley Forge Christian College back up 76-75, but a layup by Knights freshman forward John Noel pushed Berkeley back ahead, 77-76. Later – with 25 seconds left -  Patriots freshman guard Tony Hazzard would connect on just the backend of two shots from the charity stripe, leaving the game tied at 77-all.

    Following a 30 timeout by Berkeley College Head Coach Anthony Calabrese, the Knights let the clock bleed down as much as possible before sophomore guard Dukens Germain would connect on a jumper to give Berkeley a 79-77 lead. Valley Forge Christian College had one final chance to tie or win the game, but Lance Harris’ three-point attempt at the buzzer was off the mark, giving the Knights a thrilling come-from-behind victory.

    The game-winning basket by Germain overshadowed what had been a rather quiet evening for the Columbia High School product, as he finalized his night with eight points, nine rebounds, and four assists. Sophomore guard Andrew Tomlin scored a team-high 15 points for the Knights, while also adding three steals. Abdullah dropped-in 11 points, and Noel netted 10.

    Despite the loss for the Patriots, Valley Forge Christian College was paced by Mack who connected on 10 of his 18 attempts from the floor en route to finishing with a game-high 26 points. He also snatched nine rebounds and dished five assists. Junior guard Jean LeBlanc dropped-in 13 points, while Harris and Hazzard scored 11 and 10 points, respectively.

    The teams were almost even in all major categories. The Patriots connected on 42.6 percent of their shots from the floor (26-61), while Berkeley hit on 26 of their 65 attempts for the night (40 percent). The Knights’ 75 percent conversion rate on free throws (21-28) was slightly higher than Valley Forge Christian College’s, who nailed 72.4 percent of theirs (21-29). The Knights held a 40-36 edge on the glass, while the Patriots dished one more assist (13 to Berkeley’s 12) and tallied nine steals to the Knights’ six.

    Berkeley College will next board a bus on Monday, as the team will travel to Uniontown, Pennsylvania to participate in the 2014 USCAA National Basketball Tournament. Berkeley College – who earned the No. 7 seed in the tournament - will square off against the No. 10 seeded Roaring Lions of Penn State Fayette on Wednesday evening in the tournament quarterfinals, with start time for that contest scheduled for 8:00pm.
  • Eight Berkeley College student-athletes named to the Fall 2013 HVIAC All-Academic Team
    February 27, 2014


    The Hudson Valley Intercollegiate Athletic Conference announced its 2013 Fall All-Academic Team today, with 137 student-athletes earning recognition. Eight student-athletes from Berkeley made the list, including four from the cross country programs (three female, one male), and four from the soccer squads (two from each gender).

    Instituted by the HVIAC during the 2010-2011 season, the All-Academic Team recognizes excellence in both in the field of play and in the classroom. It consists of student-athletes who have reached sophomore academic standing and have earned a 3.5 cumulative grade point average or better at the conclusion of the fall semester, and participate in one of HVIAC offered sports – men’s soccer, women’s soccer, men’s cross country, women’s soccer, women’s tennis, women’s volleyball, and women’s cross country.

    From the Berkeley College (NY) Women’s Cross Country team, senior Lacey Garnett, junior Sarah Celin, and sophomore Noemi Saldivar-Torres were recognized for their stellar contributions. The Knights’ Men’s Cross Country squad was represented by senior Jermund Ottermo. In addition, Women’s Soccer sophomores, Leslie Fernandez and Sophi Veivag, were selected to the All-Academic team. Finally, junior Joachim Moe and sophomore Gustavo Moreno of the Men’s Soccer squad also received recognition.

    “I would like to take a moment to congratulate these eight hard-working student-athletes for being named to the HVIAC All-Academic Team for the fall of 2013,” Director of Athletics Andy DeStephano said. “Their dedication to their respective sports, as well as their diligent efforts in the classroom, has culminated in them receiving the honor that has been bestowed upon them. I wish all of these student-athletes nothing but success in all of their future endeavors.”

    It is anticipated that the 2013-2014 Winter All-Academic Team will be announced during the Spring.
  • For the first time in program history, all three basketball teams earn USCAA National Tournament bids
    February 26, 2014


    The USCAA announced its selections for the 2014 National Basketball Tournaments on Wednesday afternoon, and for the first time in the history of Berkeley College Athletics, all three basketball teams were chosen and will have the opportunity to compete for National championships. The tournament will be hosted by Penn State Fayette, and all games will take place in Uniontown, Pennsylvania.

    On the men’s side – Berkeley College (NJ) – currently boasting an overall record of 16-10 on the 2013-2014 campaign – drew the No. 7 seed in the tournament. The Knights will square off against the No. 10 seeded Roaring Lions of Penn State Fayette on Wednesday evening at 8:00pm. The Roaring Lions have a current mark of 13-14 on the year. Berkeley College (NJ) Head Coach Anthony Calabrese was very pleased to see his team get an opportunity to compete for the USCAA National crown.

    “It is very gratifying for us as a team to have a chance to compete for a National championship,” Calabrese said. “We have a very motivated and confident group of young men who have worked tremendously hard this season to get this opportunity, and it’s terrific to see their hard work pay off. I feel that our guys are physically and mentally ready for the challenge that this tournament presents.”

    The winner of the Berkeley College (NJ) vs. Penn State Fayette contest will advance to play No. 2 seeded Penn State York at 2:00pm on Thursday afternoon.

    Berkeley College (NY) – with an overall record of 14-9 – drew the No. 9 seed in the tournament. The Knights – who were the Hudson Valley Intercollegiate Athletic Conference champions the previous three seasons before falling in the semifinal round of that tournament this season – will match up against No. 8 seeded Penn State Beaver on Wednesday at 6:00pm. Knights Head Coach Chris Christiansen spoke about his team getting selected to compete in the tournament.

    “Any time you see the diligent efforts of your student-athletes get rewarded in this fashion, you can’t help but feel excited for them,” Christiansen said. “All last week and early this week, our guys were extremely anxious to see if they would have this opportunity, and now that we are in, we’re planning on giving it our best shot.”

    The team that emerges victorious in the Berkeley College (NY)-Penn State Beaver contest will take on No. 1 seeded Central Maine C.C. on Thursday evening at 5:30pm.

    The Lady Knights – who were the 2012-2013 National Basketball Tournament runners-up, have drawn the No. 4 seed in this year’s tournament with an overall record of 13-6. Berkeley College will face off against the No. 5 seeded Penn State Beaver on Thursday evening at 9:30pm. Penn State Beaver is 18-10 thus far on the season. Lady Knights Head Coach Sharod Tomlinson believes his team is very motivated by last year’s loss in the USCAA title game.

    “Our team comes into this year’s tournament with tremendous experience following last year’s trip to the National championship game,” Tomlinson said. “I feel that playing a team the caliber of Penn State Beaver will be a nice litmus test for us, as we pride ourselves on being a strong squad defensively, and they pride themselves on scoring points in bunches. It should be an interesting game.

    The winner of the Berkeley College-Penn State Beaver game will face the winner of the matchup between No. 1 seeded Central Maine C.C. and No. 8 seeded Warren Wilson College on Friday evening at 9:00pm.

    To follow the Knights and Lady Knights in their quest for a National Championship, visit the USCAA website – www.theUSCAA.com. Live statistics and live video streaming will be available for select games. Recaps of all Berkeley College contests will be available by the Knights’ athletics website at http://berkeleycollege.edu/athletics/.
  • Berkeley College basketball teams anxiously await potential USCAA National Tournament bids
    February 24, 2014


    The Berkeley College New York Men’s and Women’s Basketball teams – as well as the New Jersey Men’s Basketball team – are currently awaiting potential invitations to the 2014 USCAA National Basketball Tournament. The USCAA’s selection show will take place this Wednesday – February 26 – at noon, and will be streamed live with the association’s website. For further information, please keep it posted to the Berkeley College athletics page.

    Berkeley College’s New York men’s squad is hopeful of a bid, as the team currently boasts a record of 14-9 overall. The Knights – who prior to this season won the Hudson Valley Intercollegiate Athletic Conference title three consecutive years – fell in the semifinals of the tournament this year to Vaughn College by a score of 73-70 in the semifinal round. Berkeley is currently listed as the No. 10 team on the USCAA Men’s Coaches Poll.

    “Our student-athletes have a very positive mindset as it pertains to potentially having a chance to play in the USCAA National Tournament,” Head Coach Chris Christiansen said. “The most difficult aspect of the waiting process is the unknown. This has been a very challenging season for our team, but at the same time this is a group that enjoys challenges, so should we receive a bid, I know our guys will be prepared mentally and physically to give it their best on the court.”

    As for the Berkeley College of New York Women, the Lady Knights are confident of receiving an invitation to the USCAA tournament, as the team currently owns a record of 13-6, including an unblemished 6-0 mark against Hudson Valley Intercollegiate Athletic Conference opponents during the regular season. The Knights did fall in the semifinal round of the HVIAC Tournament, however, losing to St. Joseph’s College of Brooklyn by a score of 73-59. Berkeley College is listed as the No. 3 team on the USCAA Women’s Basketball Coaches Poll.

    “Our team has worked extremely hard this season, and it would be very gratifying for our student-athletes should we earn a spot in the USCAA National Tournament,” Head Coach Sharod Tomlinson said. “A season ago, we played well enough to get ourselves into the championship game of the National tournament, and our players are eager to get that opportunity once again. I believe the experience that we gained last year can be a strength for us should we get an invitation to this year’s tourney.”

    Berkeley College’s New Jersey Men’s Basketball team is currently 16-10 on the 2013-2014 campaign and believes it has a very strong chance to earn an invitation to this year’s dance. The Knights started slow out of the gate – dropping five of their first nine games this year before rallying to finish 12-5 in their final 17 contests. Berkeley currently comes in at No. 9 team on the USCAA Men’s Basketball Coaches Poll.

    “I feel that our team has done a very good job of collectively improving as the season has progressed,” Knights Head Coach Anthony Calabrese said. “One of the most important elements a team can have is confidence, and I’d have to say that right now we’re playing with a tremendous amount of confidence. We would be grateful for an opportunity to display our talents in the USCAA National Tournament. Time will tell for us.”

    The USCAA National Tournament will take place in Uniontown, Pennsylvania, and will be hosted by Penn State Fayette. The tournament runs March 4 through March 8, with games times to-be-announced.
  • Berkeley College of New York Men’s and Women’s Basketball Teams Earn Hudson Valley Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Praise
    February 18, 2014


    The Hudson Valley Intercollegiate Athletic Conference announced its All-Conference selections on Monday morning, and the Berkeley College of New York basketball teams were well represented. On the women’s side, Head Coach Sharod Tomlinson was tabbed  
    co-Coach of the Year, and three of his players – senior guard Aiyesha Brown, junior forward Milan Germany, and junior guard Janay Thomas – were named to the All-Conference team. For the Berkeley men’s team, senior guard Jovan Bovell, senior center Elijah Craig, and sophomore guard Keenan Langston received All-Conference praise.

    Berkeley College’s Women’s Basketball team just completed its third consecutive winning season under the guidance of Head Coach Sharod Tomlinson, who has done a phenomenal job of leading the squad in its short four year existence. The progression of Berkeley’s Women’s Basketball program with Tomlinson at the helm has been encouraging. After putting together just a 2-17 record in their inaugural campaign back in 2010-2011, the Lady Knights have put together three consecutive winning seasons (15-12 in 2011-2012, 14-10 in 2012-2013, and 13-6 thus far this year). Berkeley College has received two USCAA National Tournament bids the past two seasons, and staked its claim as National runners-up during the 2012-2013 season. Berkeley’s Director of Athletics – Andy DeStephano – was proud of the honor that was bestowed upon Tomlinson.

    “Sharod did an excellent job with our women’s team this season, and I’m glad to see him be recognized for his continued efforts,” DeStephano said. “This is the third consecutive winning season, and I believe the program has a bright future.”

    The Lady Knights were defeated in the semifinal round of the Hudson Valley Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Tournament this past Saturday. Berkeley College is hopeful that it will receive a bid to the 2014 USCAA Women’s Basketball National Tournament, as selections will be announced on Wednesday, February 26.

    Aiyesha Brown earned her second HVIAC All-Conference selection (she also received praise following the 2012-2013 season). Thus far this season, she shares a team lead in points-per-game for the Knights by averaging 16.5 points per contest. The Jamaica, NY native has scored in double figures 10 times this year, and has scored 17 points or more seven times.

    After being tabbed as a 2012-2013 All-Conference selection, Milan Germany was recognized by the conference again she was named to the All-Conference team for the 2013-2014 campaign. Germany displayed excellent versatility on the court this past season, averaging team-highs in points-per-game with 16.5 and rebounds per contest with nine. She also posted eight double-doubles for the year, as well.

    Finally, speedy guard Janay Thomas earned All-Conference praise after also being named to the HVIAC All-Conference crew during the 2011-2012 season. This past year, Thomas averaged 13 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 3.4 assists per contest. She scored in double digits on 10 different occasions for the Knights, and played at least 37 minutes or more in seven of Berkeley’s games this year.

    On the men’s side for Berkeley College, senior center Elijah Craig was named to the HVIAC All-Conference team for the third time (he also was tabbed during the 2010-2011 and 2011-2012 seasons). This past year, the big man averaged nine points and team-high 10.1 rebounds per game. He also posted seven double-doubles for the year as well.

    Senior guard Jovan Bovell was named to the 2013-2014 All-Conference team after earning the same distinction a season ago. The senior guard was second on the Knights with his 11.5 points-per-game average. He also snatched 4.7 rebounds-per-contest and dished 3.9 assists-per-game.

    Sophomore guard Keenan Langston earned his first All-Conference selection by putting forth a phenomenal campaign for his team. The  Brooklyn, NY native paced the Knights by scoring a team-high 16.4 points per contest and shooting 45.5 percent from the floor. He also 4.3 rebounds per game, as well.

    The Berkeley College Men’s Basketball team fell in the semifinal round of the Hudson Valley Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Tournament this past Saturday. Team selections for the 2013-2014 USCAA Men’s Basketball National Tournament will be announced on Wednesday, February 26, as the Knights will hope for an invitation to the tournament for the fourth straight season.
  • Solid all-around effort by New Jersey men's basketball team helps Knights get past Lions of Bryn Athyn 65-62 in Pennsylvania
    February 16, 2014


    The Berkeley College of New Jersey Men’s Basketball team defeated the Lions of Bryn Athyn College by a score of 65-62 on Saturday evening at Memorial Hall in Allentown, Pennsylvania. The victory – the third straight for Berkeley – improved the Knights’ record to 16-10 on the season, while the Lions dropped their third consecutive game and dipped to 10-13 on the year.

    The first half of the game was a seesaw battle that featured nine lead changes between the two squads, with neither team able to grab a lead greater than five points in the opening 20 minutes of action. At the half, Berkeley College held a 24-23 lead over Bryn Athyn College.

    There were six lead changes to start the second half, with the final exchange taking place with 5:24 remaining in the game when Knights sophomore guard Dukens Germain nailed a jumper to give the Knights a 52-50 lead. After a free throw by sophomore Christian Rivera pulled the Lions to within a point, Berkeley freshman guard Jabree Jackson drained a three-point basket to help the Knights extend their advantage to four points at 55-51 with 4:45 left on the clock.

    31 seconds later, a pair of converted free throws by Knights sophomore guard Tasheen Carrow upped Berkeley’s lead to six at 57-51, but back-to-back layups by freshmen Troy Steed and Deion Boyer pulled Bryn Athyn to within two (57-55) with 3:30 left in the contest.

    Later on, the Knights led the game by four points – 63-59 – with 14 seconds remaining. The Lions’ Jeff Seigafuse would connect on a three-point basket to pull his squad to within a point – 63-62 – with eight seconds to go in regulation. Berkeley College would then inbound the basketball to Carrow who would draw a foul and head to the line with just six seconds remaining. He would calmly nail both free throws, and the Bryn Athyn was unable to get a shot off following the inbounds pass, as the Knights held on for an impressive three-point victory.

    In the win for Berkeley College, it was Germain leading the way for his team, as he scored a team-high 13 points and posted a game-high nine rebounds. Freshman center Vince Richmond also chipped in with 10 points and six boards, and Jackson and Carrow finalized their evenings with eight points apiece.

    Despite the loss for the Lions, Boyer led the way for Bryn Athyn as he netted a game-high 14 points. Junior guard Joseph Kehoe added 11 points and four rebounds, and Seigafuse finalized his evening with 10 points.

    The Knights will now await word on a potential invitation to participate in the 2013-2014 USCAA Men’s Basketball National Tournament. Berkeley College is hopeful that its 16-10 output during the regular season will be enough to earn a bid into this year’s tourney.
  • New York women's basketball team defeated by Bears of St. Joseph's Brooklyn in HVIAC semifinal round, 73-59
    February 16, 2014


    The Berkeley College of New York women’s basketball came into the 2013-2014 Hudson Valley Intercollegiate Athletic Conference as the No. 1 seed in hopes of capturing their first tournament crown in the program’s young four year history. Unfortunately for the Knights, the defending champion Bears of St. Joseph’s College of Brooklyn had other plans. The Bears took it to the Knights the entire evening at the Wellness Center on the campus of the College of New Rochelle, as St. Joseph’s College did not trail once in the contest en route to defeating Berkeley by a score of 73-59. With the loss, Berkeley College dipped to 13-6 on the season, while the Bears upped their mark to 15-10 and stamped their ticket to the championship game of the tourney, which will take place tomorrow against the College of New Rochelle at 4:00pm.

    In the first half of play, St. Joseph’s College held of 8-4, 14-19, and 19-12, but every time it seemed as though the Bears were going put some distance between themselves and their opponent, the Knights kept the game close. With Berkeley trailing in the contest 23-18 with just under 3:30 remaining, junior forward Milan Germany drained a three-point basket to pull her team to within two points. Following a made jump shot by St. Joseph’s senior guard Kelly McNamee, Germany would nail another triple, cutting the Bears’ lead to a point at 25-24. Later on – with 19 seconds remaining in the first half – a pair of McNamee free throws would be the final points scored of the stanza, and Berkeley jogged into the  locker room trailing by three points – 27-24.

    The second half saw the Bears turn up the voltage, as St. Joseph’s outscored Berkeley College 22-6 in the opening 7:17 of the period to take its biggest lead of the game – 19 points – at 49-30. The Knights later found themselves trailing 60-42 with 7:54 remaining in the game, and that’s when they made one final push to bring themselves back into the game.

    Over the ensuing 4:05 of play, the Knights would put together 12-2 run (a spurt highlighted by five points from Germany) to pull to within eight points at 62-54 with 3:49 remaining in the game. A huge converted layup by Bears junior forward Taylor Raccuglia on St. Joseph’s’ next possession would stop the bleeding, as the Bears once again led by double digits at 64-54. A free throw by Berkeley College junior guard Janay Thomas, and a layup by senior guard Aiyesha Brown brought the Knights to within seven points (64-57) with 2:38 to go.

    Down the stretch, though, Berkeley College was unable to convert on another field goal, and the Bears outscored the Knights 9-2 to account for their 73-59 victory.

    Despite the loss Berkeley, it was Germany putting together a strong performance, as she posted team-highs in points with 21 and rebounds with eight while also tallying seven steals. Brown converted on six of her nine attempts from the charity stripe and finished with 18 points and seven steals, and junior guard Janay Thomas added eight points and six rebounds.

    In a winning effort for St. Joseph’s College of Brooklyn, the Bears were paced by McNamee, as she netted a game-high 23 points to go along with for rebounds and three assists. Three other players scored in double figures for St. Joe’s, including Raccuglia who finalized her evening with 15 points, and senior Megan Moran and junior Samantha Retas who finished with 12 points apiece.

    The Bears of St. Joseph’s College will now look to capture their second straight conference title, as they’ll face the College of New Rochelle in the championship game of the tournament. The game will certainly have no shortage of intrigue, as the teams played a classic game against one another just three short nights ago, with the Blue Angels coming out on top  by a score of 55-52. The Bears will have a chance to avenge that loss in a big way, but they’ll have to do it against a red-hot New Rochelle team that will be playing the title game on its home floor in front of its passionate fans.

    As for the Berkeley College women’s basketball team, the Knights – who were 6-0 in HVIAC competition in the regular season and recorded its third straight campaign of double digit victories – will now hold out hope of earning a bid to the USCAA Women’s Basketball National Tournament. 10 teams get invited to participate, and the Knights are hopeful that their success up to this point in the season will earn them a spot in the tourney.
  • New York men's basketball team falls short in semifinal round of 2013-2014 HVIAC Tournament as Warriors outlast Knights, 73-70
    February 16, 2014


    The No. 2 seeded Berkeley College of New York men’s basketball team saw their quest for its fourth consecutive Hudson Valley Intercollegiate Athletic Conference championship denied by No. 3 seeded Vaughn College, as the Warriors defeated the Knights by a score of 73-70 in the semifinal round of the HVIAC Tournament on Saturday evening at the Wellness Center on the campus of the College of New Rochelle. With the defeat, Berkeley dipped to 14-9 on the season, while Vaughn improved to 14-10 on the season en route to earning a trip to tomorrow’s conference title game against the No. 1 seeded Bears of St. Joseph’s College of Brooklyn (2:00pm).

    The teams were engaged in a seesaw battle in the early stages, as the Knights and Warriors found themselves knotted at 17 apiece with 11:36 remaining in the opening session. Over the ensuing 4:04 of play, Berkeley College would begin to take control of the contest. A converted jumper by freshman center Ahmed Dickerson put the Knights in front by a score of 19-17. That was followed on Berkeley’s next possession by a basket by senior guard Richard Rampersad. A Vaughn College turnover led to another jumper by the Knights – this time courtesy of senior guard Jovan Bovell. Bovell would then drain a three-point basket before adding a layup, as Berkeley College capped an 11-0 run and took a 28-17 lead. The Knights continued to build their advantage, eventually going up by as many as 16 points (40-24) before entering the locker room with a 14 point edge at 40-26.

    In the second half, the Knights maintained their commanding lead for a short time – holding a 49-34 advantage with just 14:34 remaining. It seemed as though the Knights were poised to make another trip to the HVIAC championship game, but that’s when things fell apart for Berkeley College. After the Warriors pulled to within seven at 52-45, Vaughn freshman guard Michael Pena caught fire, as he drained three consecutive shots from beyond the arc to give his squad a 54-52 lead. A basketball by Warriors freshman center Ron Wyatt, and a layup by junior forward Moises Chaucer upped Vaughn’s lead to six at 58-52.

    The Warriors took their biggest lead of the game with 54 seconds remaining on the clock, as Vaughn College held a 67-57 lead – a deficit that seemed insurmountable for Berkeley College. The Knights – however – refused to quit. A layup by Bovell brought the Knights to within eight points at 67-59. Following a turnover by Vaughn College’s Eric McDonald, Rampersad would connect on a jumper and an ensuing free throw to make it 67-62 with 33 ticks left.

    Vaughn would then inbound the basketball to Pena, who would drill a pair of free throws to put his team up seven with 31 seconds left. On the Knights’ next possession, senior guard Keenan Langston would nail a jumper to bring Berkeley to within five points at 69-64. Three converted free throws by Pena in the next 11 seconds gave the Warriors an eight point edge at 72-64 with 14 seconds remaining. Still, the Knights would make it interesting.

    A three-point basket by Langston was followed by a turnover by Pena. Berkeley College senior guard Mario Guzman would then nail a three pointer from way beyond the arc to bring the Knights to within two points – 72-70 with four seconds to go. The Warriors would then inbound to Pena, who would misfire on his first attempt from the line before draining the second free throw. With the Knights out of timeouts and down by three points, Berkeley was forced to inbound the ball from underneath Vaughn’s basket. Guzman’s inbounds pass was intercepted by senior guard Jared Nbida who then ran out the clock and put his team in the championship game.

    Despite the loss for the Knights, Berkeley College was paced by Langston who scored a team-high 16 points to go along with three rebounds and three assists. Bovell added 15 points as well, and senior center Elijah Craig netted nine points and snatched a game-high 15 rebounds.

    In the victory for the Warriors, Vaughn College was led by Pena who connected on four three-point baskets and 12 of his 14 attempts from the charity stripe en route to finalizing his evening with a game-high 32 points. Wyatt was also a key factor for his squad, dropping in 14 points and snatching five rebounds. Finally, it was sophomore guard Rashad Luckett contributing with 11 points in the win.

    Turnovers and missed free throws came back to doom Berkeley College, as the Knights committed 23 miscues resulting in 23 Warrior points. The Knights also connected on just seven of their 14 shots from the charity stripe for the night (50 percent), while Vaughn College made good on 23 of their 30 attempts (76.7).

    While Vaughn College will now attempt to win their first Hudson Valley Intercollegiate Athletic Conference title in their programs history tomorrow afternoon, the Knights will now have to wait to see their fate as it pertains to selections for the 2013-2014 USCAA Men’s Basketball National Tournament. 10 teams get selected to participate in the tournament, and Berkeley College will hope to get an invitation to the dance in order to have an attempt to capture a National crown.
  • New York basketball teams aim to capture Hudson Valley Intercollegiate Athletic Conference titles this weekend
    February 13, 2014


    The Berkeley College Athletic Department is proud to announce that its men’s and women’s basketball teams have both qualified for the 2014 Hudson Valley Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Tournament. The event will take place this weekend from the Wellness Center on the campus of the College of New Rochelle.

    On the men’s side, the Knights have captured the HVIAC Tournament crown three consecutive years, and will be shooting to make it four in a row as they enter the event as the No. 2 overall seed after earning a mark of 5-2 in league play during the regular season. Their opponent – the No. 3 seeded Warriors of Vaughn College – also finalized their conference portion of their schedule at 5-2. The clash between the two teams will take place on Saturday at 4:00pm.

    In the Knights’ lone meeting with the Warriors this season back on November 25, Berkeley rallied from a three-point halftime deficit to defeat Vaughn by a score of 66-59 at the College of New Rochelle. Sophomore guard Keenan Langston led the way for the Knights that evening, scoring a game-high 26 points while also grabbing four rebounds. Berkeley College will enter the tournament with a tremendous amount of confidence, having won three consecutive games, and nine of their last 10 overall.

    Vaughn College will serve as a formidable semifinal round opponent for the Knights, as the Warriors will enter the tournament having won five of their previous eight games. In addition, those five victories were recorded by an average of 32.8 points. Vaughn has never won the HVIAC Tournament, and will aiming to change history this weekend.

    The Men’s Tournament Schedule is as follows:

    Saturday, February 15, 2014 – Semifinal Games:

    No. 4 Seeded Albany Pharmacy vs. No. 1 seeded St. Joseph’s Brooklyn (2:00pm)
    No. 3 Seeded Vaughn College vs. No. 2 seeded Berkeley College (4:00pm)

    Sunday, February 16, 2014 – Championship Game:

    No. 4/No. 1 Winner vs. No. 3/No. 2 Winner (2:00pm)

    On the women’s side for Berkeley, the Knights will be looking to win their first-ever HVIAC crown after finishing the regular season with an unblemished 6-0 conference record. The Knights – who are the No. 1 overall seed – will take on defending champion and No.4 seeded Bears of the College of St. Joseph’s. The Bears were 4-2 in conference play during the season. Game-time is scheduled for 6:00pm.

    The Knights and Bears met in what turned out to be a classic game during the regular season back on January 25, with the Knights pulling out a 57-54 victory at the Borough of Manhattan Community College. In that win, three players scored in double figures for the Knights, as junior guard Janay Thomas scored 16 points, junior forward Milan Germany added 14, and senior guard Aiyesha Brown netted 13. The Knights come in to the tournament having just put the finishing touch on its third consecutive winning season.

    St. Joseph’s College of Brooklyn will push the Knights to be at their absolute best, as the Bears won the Hudson Valley Intercollegiate Athletic Conference championship a season ago and would love to make it consecutive crowns. St. Joseph's enters the weekend with momentum, having won five of their previous seven games.

    The Women’s Tournament Schedule is as follows:

    Saturday, February 15, 2014 – Semifinal Games:

    No. 4 Seeded St. Joseph’s Brooklyn vs. No. 1 seeded Berkeley College (6:00pm)
    No. 3 Seeded College of New Rochelle vs. No. 2 seeded Albany Pharmacy (8:00pm)

    Sunday, February 16, 2014 – Championship Game:

    No. 4/No. 1 Winner vs. No. 3/No. 2 Winner (4:00pm)
  • Berkeley College men's basketball team silences Pratt Institute Cannoneers 87-21 in 2013-2014 regular season finale
    February 12, 2014


    The Berkeley College of New York men’s basketball team finalized its regular season with a strong showing Wednesday evening, turning back the Cannoneers of Pratt Institute in a Hudson Valley Intercollegiate Athletic Conference game by a score of 87-21 at Pratt’s Activities Resource Center in Downtown, Brooklyn. The victory was the fourth straight for the Knights, who closed out their regular season with an overall record of 14-8 and a 6-1 mark in HVIAC play. Pratt Institute wrapped-up its 2013-2014 campaign 6-11, and 1-6 in conference action.

    In the victory for the Knights, Berkeley was paced by senior Jovan Bovell and sophomore Keenan Langston, as both standouts netted 11 points apiece. Freshman center Ahmed Dickerson connected on five of his seven shots from the floor en route to finishing with 10 points and seven rebounds. Senior Elijah Craig added nine points, seven rebounds, and a game-high three blocks in 14 minutes of action. Finally, it was junior forward Shawn Collins scoring seven points and snatching a game-high 13 rebounds.

    Berkeley College played well on both sides of the floor all evening long, as every player who entered the game for the Knights connected on at least one shot, and the team converted on 45.7 percent of their attempts from the floor for the game (37-81). Berkeley sizzled from beyond-the-arc, draining nine of their 22 attempts from long range (40.9 percent), and the Knights collectively dished 20 assists. On the defensive side, Berkeley forced 31 Cannoneer turnovers, while also holding Pratt Institute to just 22.2 percent shooting (10-45).

    The Knights will enter the Hudson Valley Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Tournament this weekend aiming to win their fourth consecutive conference crown. Berkeley will enter this year’s event as the No. 2 seed and will face No. 3 seeded Vaughn College on Saturday in the semifinals. Start-time for the game at the Wellness Center on the campus of the College of New Rochelle is scheduled for 4:00pm.
  • Berkeley College men's basketball program honors seven seniors, then rallies from seven point deficit to win by seven, 60-53
    February 12, 2014


    The Berkeley College of New York men’s basketball team put forth a spirited comeback Tuesday evening, rallying from a seven point halftime deficit to defeat the Bengals of the University of Maine Fort Kent on Senior Day by a score of 60-53 at the Wellness Center on the campus of the College of New Rochelle. The victory was the third straight for the Knights, who improved their record to 13-8 on the year, while the Bengals dipped to a mark of 7-18.

    Prior to the contest, the Berkeley College Athletics Department took a few moments to honor seven seniors – including Elijah Craig, Yang Zhang, Mario Guzman, Richard Rampersad, Danzel Whyte, Jovan Bovell, and Alex Loniakan – in a special pregame ceremony. Head Coach Chris Christiansen took the microphone and said a few heartfelt words about each of his seniors, and Director of Athletics Andy DeStephano presented all of the aforementioned student-athletes with a commemorative plaque to thank them for their years of dedication to the Berkeley College of New York men’s basketball program.

    When the game began, a pumped-up Knights team converted on six of its first seven attempts from the floor in the process of building an early 14-6 advantage. Bovell scored eight of those first 14 points for his squad. A pair of made free throws by Rampersad, and a converted layup by Craig upped Berkeley’s lead to 12 at 18-6 with 13:38 remaining in the opening session.

    From there, the first half belonged to the Bengals. The University of Maine Fort Kent put together a 13-0 run over the ensuing 5:12 (the Knights were 0-for-9 from the floor during this stretch) to take a 19-18 lead. Later on in the stanza, the game was tied at 24 apiece with 2:37 left in opening session, and the Bengals closed out the period on a 7-0 run to take a 31-24 lead into the locker room at halftime.

    The Knights came out a completely different team to start the second half, as Berkeley opened up the session with a spark, outscoring the Bengals 15-3 in the opening 5:14 of the frame to take a 39-34 lead. Berkeley continued to press the Bengals, and the Knights were exemplifying good shot selection by moving the ball and getting good looks.

    Later on, with 7:49 remaining, Berkeley was holding its biggest lead of the game – a 54-43 advantage. The Bengals refused to quit though, going on a 17-11 run from there to pull to within five points (65-60) with 2:18 remaining in the game. The Knights would buckle down though, connecting on five free throw attempts and not allowing another U.M.F.K. field goal the rest of the way in holding on for a seven point victory.

    In the win for the Knights, the seniors truly put on a show, with Bovell leading the way as he scored a game-high 18 points to go along with eight rebounds, three assists, and three steals. Craig chipped in with 12 points, and game-highs in rebounds with nine and blocks with seven, and two steals. Guzman finalized his evening with 12 points and four rebounds, and freshman Ahmed Dickerson added 10 points and four caroms off of the bench.

    Despite the loss for the University of Maine Fort Kent, the Bengals were led by sophomore guard Fred Sanchez who knocked down all seven of his free throw attempts and drained three of his four shots from downtown while finishing with 18 points and three assists. Junior guard Jorge Matesanz added 17 points and five rebounds, and junior forward Jeremy Bishop contributed with 14 points, five rebounds, and two blocked shots.

    The Knights held an edge in shooting percentage, connecting on 41.2 percent of their attempts from the floor (28-68) compared to 36.5 percent for the Bengals (19-52). Berkeley out-rebounded the University of Maine Fort Kent 41-32, while also swatting seven shots (all by Craig) compared to four for the visitors. Berkeley also held an 11-5 edge in the steals department.

    Berkeley College completes its regular season portion of the schedule tomorrow evening when the Knights battle Pratt Institute in a Hudson Valley Intercollegiate Athletic Conference game in Brooklyn, New York. Start-time for the game is scheduled for 7:30pm.
  • Berkeley College women's basketball team clinches first-ever HVIAC regular season title, look towards HVIAC Tournament this weekend
    February 11, 2014

    For the first time in the four year history of Berkeley College’s Women’s Basketball program, the Knights have solidified their first-ever Hudson Valley Intercollegiate Athletic Conference regular season championship. The team recorded a perfect 5-0 record in league play for the 2013-2014 season. Berkeley will head into this weekend’s HVIAC Tournament as the No. 1 overall seed, and its opponent is to-be-determined.

    “Accomplishing something like this is a testament to the hard work and dedication put forth by these student-athletes,” Head Coach Sharod Tomlinson said. “After falling in the semifinal game of the HVIAC Tournament a season ago, I feel this team came into this season extremely motivated, and that motivation has resulted in us playing terrific basketball. Solidifying the program’s first ever HVIAC regular season crown is something that we take a tremendous amount of pride in, and we’re looking forward to playing to the best of our abilities in this year’s tournament, and hopefully beyond.”

    The progression of Berkeley’s Women’s Basketball program has been encouraging. After putting together just a 2-17 record in their inaugural campaign back in 2010-2011, the Knights have put together three consecutive winning seasons (15-12 in 2011-2012, 14-10 in 2012-2013, and 13-5 thus far this year). Berkeley College has received two USCAA National Tournament bids the past two seasons, and staked its claim as National runners-up a season ago, falling in the championship game to Albany College of Pharmacy.

    The Knights have continued to build a successful program, emerging in both the Hudson Valley Intercollegiate Athletic Conference, and on the National platform. Berkeley has had less than 10 players on its roster for four consecutive seasons, yet the team’s collective vision and spirited play has allowed the Knights to consistently achieve success as a unit.

    “We may not have a roster that runs 15 players deep, but the players that are on this team give 110 percent night in and night out, and that’s all you can ask for from student-athletes,” Tomlinson said. “Their will to win and positive attitude on the basketball court have put us in an excellent position to succeed.”

    Berkeley will now look to capture its first-ever Hudson Valley Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Tournament championship this weekend at the Wellness Center at the College of New Rochelle. The Knights will play their semifinal game this Saturday evening, either at 6:00pm or 8:00pm, against an opponent to-be-determined.
  • HVIAC announces weekly awards; Four Berkeley College standouts named to Honor Roll
    February 11, 2014


    The Hudson Valley Intercollegiate Athletic Conference announced its weekly award winners on Tuesday morning, and the Berkeley College of New York basketball teams had four players named to the Honor Roll – including two student-athletes from each gender.

    On the men’s side, senior guard Jovan Bovell and sophomore guard Keenan Langston received recognition. Bovell led the Knights during Berkeley’s 2-1 week for the period of Monday, February 3 through Sunday, February 9. The standout guard scored 19 points in the Knights’ 99-87 victory over Davis College this past Saturday, and a day later he netted 18 points in the Knights’ 72-57 win at SUNY ESF

    Langston also had an impressive week for Berkeley, as the Brooklyn Academy High School product averaged 14 points for the week. In an 84-76 HVIAC defeat at the hands of Sarah Lawrence College this past Thursday evening, the guard scored 18 points on six-of-nine shooting while also connecting on four of his five attempts from the floor.

    Berkeley College’s men’s basketball team returns to action on Tuesday evening, as the Knights host the University of Maine Fort Kent at the College of New Rochelle’s Wellness Center. Start-time for that game is scheduled for 6:00pm. Prior to the contest, the Berkeley College Athletic Department will honor seven seniors in a special pregame ceremony.

    On the women’s side, Berkeley’s Patricia Patterson and Janay Thomas earned Honor Roll praise for their performances in the Knights’ 1-1 week from the period of Monday, February 3 through Sunday, February 9. Patterson scored six points, grabbed five rebounds, and had four steals in the Knights’ 55-37 win over Yeshiva University on February 3. Six days later, she put together a 15 point, 11 rebound performance in Berkeley’s 72-56 defeat at the hands of the Apprentice School.

    Thomas paced the Knights against Yeshiva University back on February 3, as she posted game-highs in points with 20 and steals with seven while also grabbing nine rebounds and Berkeley turned back the Maccabees 55-37 at the Wellness Center on the campus of the College of New Rochelle. Then on February 9, she scored 15 points and grabbed five rebounds in Berkeley’s 72-56 setback at the hands of the Apprentice School Lady Builders.

    Berkeley College’s women’s basketball unit will return to action on Saturday, February 15, as the Knights will play in the semifinals of the 2014 Hudson Valley Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Tournament at the College of New Rochelle. Berkeley’s opponent is still to-be-determined, and start-time for the game will be either 6:00pm or 8:00pm.
  • Aiyesha Brown honored in special Senior Day ceremony before Knights fall to Lady Builders, 72-56 in home finale
    February 09, 2014


    The Berkeley College of New York women’s basketball team lost their final home of the 2013-2014 campaign, falling to the Lady Builders of the Apprentice School by a score of 72-56 Sunday evening at the Wellness Center on the campus of the College of New Rochelle. With the loss, the Knights dipped to a mark of 13-5 on the year, while the Apprentice School improved its record to 18-4 on the year.

    It was Senior Day for Berkeley’s women’s basketball team, and standout guard Aiyesha Brown was honored prior to the game in a special ceremony. Head Coach Sharod Tomlinson took the microphone and said a few heartfelt words about the Jamaica, NY native, and Director of Athletics Andy DeStephano presented Brown with a commemorative plaque to thank the senior for her years of dedicated service to the team.

    The Lady Builders set the tempo for this game early, jumping out to a 7-0 advantage just 3:52 into the contest. Over the ensuing 1:02 of play, the Knights  put together a 6-1 run (a spurt that included a layup by junior forward Patricia Patterson, another layup by Brown, and a field goal by junior forward Milan Germany) to pull to within two points at 8-6. That would be the closest Berkeley College would get, though, as the Lady Builders built their lead and eventually took a 30-21 advantage into the locker room at halftime.

    In the second half, Apprentice School continued to increase its lead, and when junior guard Shanae Hilliard knocked down a three-point basket with 13:17 remaining in the game, the Lady Builders were up 15 (49-34) – their biggest advantage of the contest.

    The Knights kept things close, outscoring the Apprentice School 16-8 over the next 7:52 to pull to within seven points – 57-50 – with just 5:28 remaining. Berkeley College would convert on just two field goals the rest of the way (and none in the final 2:47 of play), as the Lady Builders finished strong, eventually picking up a 16 point victory.

    Despite the loss for the Knights, Brown played very well on the day she was honored for Senior Day, as she finalized her evening with a team-high 18 points to go along with two steals. Patterson posted a double-double with 15 points, a team-high 11 rebounds, and four steals, and junior guard Janay Thomas added 15 points, five rebounds, and two assists.

    In the victory for the Apprentice School, the Lady Builders were paced by sophomore guard Kenya Wilkerson who recorded game-highs in points with 20 and assists with nine. She also grabbed six rebounds and collected three steals as well. Senior forward Courtney Collins added 19 points, five rebounds, and a game-high five steals, and Hillard nailed three treys and finalized her night with 13 points.

    The Lady Builders held edges in most categories, including field goal percentage, as the Apprentice School knocked down 43.5 percent of their attempts from the floor (27-62) compared to 37.3 percent for Berkeley (37.3). The Apprentice School drained 14 of their 20 shots from the charity stripe (60 percent), while the Knights nailed just 17 of their 31 free throws (54.8 percent). The Lady Builders out-rebounded Berkeley 46-33, while also dishing 17 assists to the Knights’ eight.

    The Knights will now ready themselves for the Hudson Valley Intercollegiate Athletic Conference postseason, as Berkeley College already knows it will head into this year’s tournament as the No. 1 overall seed. The Knights’ opponent is yet to be determined, but their semifinal game will take place this Saturday evening at the Wellness Center at the College of New Rochelle. Start-time for Berkeley’s game will be either at 6:00pm or 8:00pm.
  • New Jersey men's basketball team outlasts Williamson Free Trade 60-51 in final home game of 2013-2014 season
    February 08, 2014

    The Berkeley College of New Jersey men’s basketball team picked up an impressive victory Saturday evening in their final home game of the 2013-2014 campaign, as the Knights turned back the Mechanics of Williamson Free Trade by a score of 60-51 at the Fleisher Athletic Center on the campus of New Jersey Institute of Technology. With the win, Berkeley improved its mark to 14-9 on the year, while the Mechanics dipped to 11-13 on the season.

    The victory was sweet redemption for the Knights – who just two short weeks ago on January 25 suffered a double overtime defeat to Williamson Free Trade in Pennsylvania by a score of 90-89.

    Berkeley College trailed in this one early, falling behind by a score of 9-6 with 12:29 remaining in the first half. Over the ensuing 5:51 of action, the Knights would put together a 15-4 run to take a 21-13 lead with 6:38 left in the opening stanza. Berkeley eventually built an 11 point lead before heading into the locker room with a 10 point advantage, at 32-22.

    The second half begin with a 6-0 run by the Knights, thanks to a converted layup by sophomore guard Tasheen Carrow, a pair of made free throws by junior forward Carl O’Neil, and a basket by freshman center Thaddeus Dalton. Berkeley seemed ready to pull away, but the Mechanics refused to go away. Williamson Free Trade would put together a 15-0 run over the next 4:50 of action to pull to within a point at 38-37.

    Knights freshman center Vince Richmond halted the Mechanics’ run with a layup to put Berkeley College back up by three points. Following a basket by Williamson’s Jake Eisenhart, the Knights’ Dukens Germain would nail a huge three-point basket to increases his team’s lead to four points at 43-39.

    Williamson stayed close in this one, trailing by just three – 52-49 – with 2:23 left on the clock. The Knights would convert on two field goals and knock down four free throws while holding the Mechanics to just one field goal the rest of the way, as Berkeley held on for a nine-point victory.

    Germain led the way for the Knights, as he posted game-highs in points with 19 and rebounds with 12 (including seven on the offensive glass) while dishing three assists and tallying two steals. O’Neil added 10 points, seven rebounds, and three steals, and Carrow finalized his evening with 10 points and a pair of assists.

    For the Mechanics, Justin Swift lead the way for his team, netting a game-high 14 points to go along with five rebounds and three assists, and Debro Curtis also contributed with 12 points, seven rebounds, two assists, and two blocks.

    The shooting percentages were nearly even, with the Knights connecting on 39.7 percent of their attempts from the floor (23-58) compared to 39.1 percent for Williamson Free Trade (18-46). Berkeley held a 41-29 edge on the glass, while also dishing 15 assists to the Mechanics’ 11. The Knights also had 11 steals, while Williamson Free Trade finished their evening with five.

    Berkeley College returns to action Wednesday evening as the Knights take to the road to battle Davis College. Start-time for the contest is scheduled for 7:00pm.