Megan PellegrinoThe men’s basketball team started off their 2008-09 season in historic fashion at the Palestra, the cathedral of college basketball, located at the University of Pennsylvania.
The Cavaliers defeated the Unites States Merchant Marine Academy in overtime with a score of 85-82.
The game was also the first for the team under head coach Marcus Kahn.
With just 3.2 seconds remaining in the second half and the Cavs down by three, junior forward Kevin Misevicius sank a three-pointer to push the game into overtime.
“The Palestra is one of the most historic basketball venues in the country and it was a true privilege to compete there,” head coach Marcus Kahn said. “What made it even better was the game that was played. High intensity, and highly competitive.”
Once in overtime, sophomore forward Dom Farrello put on a show to be remembered.
He scored eight points that gave Cabrini a lead they would never look back from.
With less than a minute remaining and the Cavaliers up 82-80, Farrello and Misevicius scored the points necessary to secure a victory despite the relentlessness of the USMMA offense.
“I am proud of the effort our team put forth, and hope that we can match that throughout the season,” Kahn said.
“There are definitely things we need to work on as individuals and as a team, however, I am happy where we are at, and am confident that we will continue to grow,” Kahn said.
The Cavalier offense was led by Glenn Washington who added 27 points and tallied seven rebounds.
His performance was worthy of a Colonial State Athletic Conference Player of the Week reward.
Farrello went 9-for-13 in shots and earned 23 points overall. He also blocked three shots.
Point guard Charles Bush led the team in assists with seven and contributed 12 points.
His jump shot eight minutes into the game gave Cabrini their largest lead at 20-11.
The Cavaliers led for the entire first half and held a 33-30 when the 81-year-old horn sounded for halftime at the Palestra.
The Palestra opened in 1927 and is located in the shadow of Franklin Field on the University of Pennsylvania campus.
It is most famous for its unique structure, which allows intimate views of the court and has no barriers between fans and the game.
“It was exciting to play in such a historic building where a lot of famous people have played great games,” senior marketing major Ryan Oxley said.
Coach Kahn also shared his excitement about both his team’s play and the Palestra.
“It was definitely a historic event for me, a game that I will never forget,” Kahn said.
“The thing that I will probably remember most, is just walking around the building and reading about all of the history that was made in the building, and then to win my first game at Cabrini there, was very special to me. It was a great event, and a real nice way to start off my time as a Cavalier,” Kahn said.
The Cavaliers will continue their season with five straight home games, before traveling to Lycoming College on Wednesday, Dec. 17.
