STATEN ISLAND, NY –  The College of Staten Island men's basketball team will conclude their opening weekend with a first ever meeting with the Chestnut Hill College Griffins Saturday afternoon at 3:00 PM for the final game of the 23rd Annual Tournament of Heroes. 

Last night, the Dolphins secured the 77-71 victory after a second half surge led by Aaron Goldtsein and Mitchell Wiggan. The duo of Andrew Benedict and Elijah Darby recorded their first collegiate career points in the event and aided in the crucial momentum shift that aided in the win for the Dolphins. Three Dolphins secured double digit points with Goldstein leading the charge with 27 points followed by Wiggan with 14 and Chestnut with 11. Joey Poulin commanded the boards with 11 rebounds and added five assists. 

For Chestnut Hill, in the first game of the day for the tournament, dropped to Assumption University, 87-64, with IV Pettit leading the team with 19 point and Tyler Specer with 14. The Griffins shot 40% (21-53) from the field and 82% (18-22) from the charity stripe to battle with the Greyhounds, but ultimately dropped in the opening event. 

OUR HEROES

Terrance Aiken (1994-95)
Terrance Aiken was a member of the Men's Basketball Team for just one season in 1994-1995, and his teammates and coaches quickly came to know him for his outgoing personality and passion for technology.   His love of the game of basketball brought him to the College of Staten Island, and his love of technology led him to accept a position with Virtual Computer Technologies in 2001.  September 11^th was just his sixth day on the job, and Terrance lost his life in the terrorist attack at the World Trade Center.  He left behind a wife and three kids, but his infectious personality has not been forgotten by his friends and teammates in the many years that have gone by since his tragic passing.

Scott Davidson (1986-89)
Scott Davidson spent four years with the Dolphins from 1986-1989, and on the court, he was known for his scrappy play and intensity combined with a willingness to do whatever it took to win.  However, those who knew him off the court recalled a playful demeanor that would surprise those who only knew him as an athlete.  Scott possessed a deep care for others which led him to join the New York City Fire Department, and ultimately, to enter the World Trade Center on September 11^th.  Demonstrating selflessness in the face of immense tragedy, Scott perished on 9/11 leaving behind a wife and two kids.  His energy and willingness to sacrifice for the betterment of the team was apparent on the court as a player, but his act of heroism on 9/11 will be honored at this year's Tournament of Heroes.



Tom Hannafin (1983-87)
Tom Hannafin was a four-year standout for the Dolphins from 1983-1987.  He was a dynamic, record-setting two way player that contributed to three championship teams.  Despite all of his athletic achievements, what his teammates remember most about him is his ability to bring them closer together as family.  Tom, who was a presence at the Sports & Recreation Center well beyond his playing days, often organized events which allowed former teammates to catch up with one another and reminisce about the past.  Driven by his care for others, Tom was always there for his teammates, and when called upon to be there for others on September 11, 2001, he entered the World Trade Center as a member of the New York City Fire Department.  He left behind two children and friends that remember him to this day for his ability to inspire growth in them as teammates and as people.