BENNINGTON, VT- The third seed Southern Vermont College Men's Basketball team advanced to the NECC semifinals with a 63-60 quarterfinal victory over sixth seeded Daniel Webster Tuesday night at the Mountaineer Athletic Center. It is the first playoff victory for SVC since 2003-2004 when the Mountaineers advanced to the GNAC championship game.
For the second straight season the Mountaineers hosted a home playoff game, but this season it was a different story. Leading by nine, 62-53, with five minutes remaining in the game the Mountaineers allowed the Eagles to make a late game run. Two layups from Daniel Webster's Keith Speed and a three pointer from Daris Cosby, sandwiched with a free throw from SVC's Lance Spratling made it a 3 point game. With 18 seconds left the Mountaineers turned the ball over giving the Eagles one last chance to push the game to overtime. Off the inbounds Spratling blocked Cosby's shot before Daniel Webster's Chris Hanson missed a three point shot of his own advancing SVC to the semifinals.
"This wasn't about making amends from last year" Coach McDonough said "It was about taking the next step, we did that this year finishing third in the regular season standings and now tonight we made another step."
The Mountaineers' Lance Spratling led SVC with 19 points, but it was a balanced effort that was the key to the victory. Four Mountaineers scored double figures as Derrick Cenicola had 15 points and Taeshon Johnson scored 12. Although, it was the play of freshman guard Greg Holt that proved to be the winning ingredient. Holt who started in place of injured Avery Mitchell scored 11 points and had five assists in the victory.
"No doubt about it Greg was a difference maker tonight." McDonough said "He is no longer a freshman"
Cosby led Daniel Webster with 17 points to go along with 12 from Hanson and 11 from Speed. Hanson contributed a double-double for the Eagles as he pulled down 10 boards in the loss. Daniel Webster ends the season at 11-14.
McDonough complimented the play of Daniel Webster by saying "They played aggressive offensively and got very good looks for their guys, making them hard to defend"
The Mountaineers advance to take on Elms Friday night at Becker College with tip off scheduled for 8:00PM. "It's going to take a good team effort but it is a fresh game and the rubber match in the series," said McDonough of the semifinal matchup. SVC and Elms split the season series with each team winning on their home floor. This time it will be a neutral site and the right to play in the NECC championship game.