Binghamton Drops Close Game Against Navy at Naismith Tip Off

The Binghamton Bearcats and Tommy Dempsey had high hopes of leaving the Mohegan Sun Arena with a 1-1 record. Unfortunately Navy had a second half spurt in the final few minutes that gave them the push for the win.

Both teams were relatively even in scoring, despite Binghamton's three point advantage. They went 3 for 7 in the first half and 11 for 23 overall. Not known as a three point shooting team, the Bearcats were hot from beyond the arc, keeping them in the game. Though early foul trouble and Navy going 11-16 at the free thrown line really pushed them ahead when they needed it.

Despite everything, Binghamton was only down one at the half.

In the blink of an eye, Binghamton was ahead 47-40 in the second half after a pair of layups and treys. They kept the lead for most of the half until a three pointer from Navy's Zach Fong tied the game at 62 with just under five minutes to go. With victory drawing closer, the Midshipmen had a last spurt of energy to take the lead and keep the lead until the final buzzer.

The Bearcats had the ball with five seconds left in the game and a score of 68-70 in favor of Navy. They had the opportunity to go for a layup and tie the game, sending it into overtime or hit a three and win it. Rodriguez put up a shot from beyond the arc that looked like it was going to go in, but was off just enough to hit the rim as the buzzer went off.

But once again this star freshman, Rodriguez, pulled in double digit points this weekend, scoring 15 this game. "He had a great weekend. And that's really important to us going forward." said Head Coach Tommy Dempsey

Even though four Bearcats ended the game in double figures, they had no real answer for Navy's Brandon Venturini who ended the game with 26 points and 8 rebounds.

With more games under their belt, this mainly underclassman team has a chance at doing some real damage come conference time.