Megan PellegrinoThe men’s basketball team defeated rival Eastern University 66-63 in a tight match on Monday, Feb. 18. The Cavaliers added two foul shots in the last 30 seconds of the game to ensure their win.
This win secured a Pennsylvania Athletic Conference Playoff spot for the Cavs and improved their record to 12-13 overall and 9-7 in the PAC. Eastern’s record fell to 11-13 overall and 8-7 in the PAC.
“Tonight we got what we deserved with a shot at the playoffs and that is really special for our program,” head coach Greg Herenda said.
The game was neck-in-neck with a score of 29-29 at the half. Senior Randy Reid led the Cavaliers with 22 points and eight rebounds. Teammate Glenn Washington added 19 points and Charles Bush added 12.
The Cavaliers led 64-56 with 2:54 remaining on the clock. The Eagles then caught up and trailed by one with 1:36 remaining.
Ryan Oxley was sent to the foul line and made one of the two shots. With seconds left, Washington was sent to the line and also made one of the two shots giving Cabrini the three-point advantage and winning the game.
“It was a very emotional war and I have to credit the seniors, the entire team and coaching staff for laying it all on the line tonight,” senior Greg Clifton said.
Seniors Reid, Clifton, Bruce MacLelland and Victor O’Connor were honored before the start of their last home regular season game.
“I’m just so happy for our seniors because this is their night to be remembered and they got us into the playoffs,” Herenda said.
Also prior to the game was a dedication to former Cabrini basketball player Jeff Daily who was recently killed. Daily’s No. 3 jersey was presented to his parents from the team and coaching staff and a moment of silence was taken in his honor. Each team member also wore a white sweatband with Daily’s initials and former basketball number on it.
The Cavaliers will enter the playoffs on Saturday, Feb. 23. They have yet to know whom they will be competing against.
“This is our first step to get into the National Collegiate Athletic Association Tournament, so now we’re in the playoffs and we rest and prepare for our first round game,” Herenda said.
