STATEN ISLAND, NY – The College of Staten Island men's basketball team battled back at The Tank on Wednesday night to protect its undefeated home record, rallying past Queens College for a 72–70 victory. The Knights led 40–35 at halftime and extended their advantage to as many as 15 in the second half, but the Dolphins responded with a strong late surge to secure the win.
Queens opened the game with a 10–5 run to take early control. Aaron Goldstein helped CSI close the gap to one at 10–9, but the Knights answered and pushed the lead back to six shortly after. With under 10 minutes remaining in the first half, the Dolphins began to climb back behind the efforts of Mitchell Wiggan and Andrew Benedict. Benedict's basket tied the game at 19, and moments later, Asa Kone gave CSI its first lead of the night at 21–19. Queens responded immediately to tie it again on the next possession.
After the Knights regained the lead, CSI was unable to get back in front before the break, heading into halftime trailing 40–35.
The Dolphins outscored Queens in the second half and erased a 15-point deficit to complete the comeback. With 14 minutes remaining, the Knights recorded their first double-digit lead at 51–41 and quickly extended it to 15. Wiggan and JJ Chestnut helped cut the margin to 11, but Queens continued to maintain control and rebuilt the lead to 13.
With under 10 minutes to play, Benedict knocked down free throws to bring CSI within eight, 58–50. The Dolphins then put together an 8–0 run to tie the game at 58, marking their first time even since the first half. Wiggan gave CSI the lead at 62–58, and after Queens tied the game again at 64, Goldstein delivered back-to-back baskets to put the Dolphins back in front. Chestnut later stretched the advantage to six, 70–64, as CSI continued to build momentum down the stretch.
Queens made it a one-possession game late and hit a three-pointer with one second remaining, but the Dolphins maintained possession and closed out the 72–70 victory.
Kone led the Dolphins with 21 points, seven rebounds, and two blocks. Goldstein followed with 20 points and four assists, while Chestnut and Wiggan added 11 points apiece. Benedict finished with six points and two blocks.
The College of Staten Island men's basketball team (16–5, 7–2 ECC) returns to action on the road this weekend, traveling to Rockville Centre, NY to face Molloy University on Jan. 31 at 2:30 PM.
GAME REPLAY
