#4 Bristol Community College Men's Basketball Win in the much anticipated matchup verse #6 Bunker Hill CC 82-75!
The game was physical as the leading rebounding team in the country Bunker Hill controlled the glass early and often. Bunker Hill had 11 first half offensive rebounds led by sophomore big man Dayne Allen's 6. The game looked as if Bunker Hill was going to run away with it at one point opening a 13 point lead in the first half which is the biggest deficit Bristol has faced all year. However, the Bayhawks battled their way back to close the gap to only 4 points at halftime 35-39. "That first half could have gotten away from us" said coach Delaleu. "Dontell (Telly) Rodriquez made a couple big perimeter shots and really led us when we were vulnerable. His toughness tonight sparked the rest of us to get tough and play with more confidence".
Spark ⚡️ in the second half was an understatement as the Bayhawks went on a 24-6 run led by the big three of Zecaree Veiga, Joshua Winbush, and Marcus McCarthy. The trio scored 40 of the teams 47 second half points to close the door on the Bulldogs of Bunker Hill CC.
Joshua Winbush recorded his 20th double double of the season scoring 16 points and 10 rebounds with 4 assists and 3 blocked shots. Zecaree Veiga scored a team high 22 points with 3 steals. Marcus McCarthy also had a team high 22 points going 12-14 from the free throw line. McCarthy grabbed 9 rebounds and rationed out 6 assists with 4 steals. Dontell (Telly) Rodriguez was the 4th guy in double digits as he added 14 points and 3 assists.
The win catapults the Bayhawks to the top seed in New England NJCAA Region tournament and it gives Bristol a bye in the preliminary rounds. That means the Bayhawks will automatically will be in the New England final 4 for the 6th straight year.
"Our goal from the start was to be the number one seed and we accomplished that. Our next goal is to win the New England's. We can do it if we are focused, engaged, and hungry to do it! I am certain we have the ability. One game scenarios are tough but we have the right guys to do it"! Said coach Delaleu of his team.
The Bayhawks will closeout the regular season with a senior day matchup against Quinsigamond CC. The game is at home Saturday February 23rd at 3pm. The Bayhawks will recognize their 4 super sophomores in their last home game at Bristol!