STATEN ISLAND, NY – The College of Staten Island men's basketball team hosted the 24th annual Tournament of Heroes Saturday evening, opening the tournament against RV Jefferson University at the Tank. The Dolphins and Rams battled throughout regulation in a high-scoring contest, but Jefferson pulled away in the final minutes to hand CSI a 104-94 defeat.
Jefferson opened the contest with a 6-1 run, with Mitchell Wiggan scoring the Dolphins' first three points from the free-throw line. Trailing 11-5, Rob Matos knocked down a three-pointer to cut the deficit to three. As CSI looked to take control in the first half, the Rams maintained the advantage for much of the frame. However, with just under two minutes remaining, Matos converted a free throw to bring the Dolphins within one before Wiggan gave CSI its first lead of the night, 41-40. The Dolphins extended their advantage to three, 43-40, but a quick three-pointer and fast-break opportunity from Jefferson sent the Rams into halftime with a 45-43 lead.
The second half featured an offensive shootout, with both teams combining for 110 points. Jefferson accounted for 59 points, while CSI added 51. The lead continued to change hands throughout the frame, with 10 of the game's 12 lead changes coming in the second half. Wiggan opened the scoring for the Dolphins with a pair of free throws to even the contest at 45.
Davin Francis then connected from beyond the arc for CSI's second three-pointer of the night, setting the stage for another back-and-forth stretch between the two teams. Following Francis' three, Jefferson regained the lead and maintained it until the 11-minute mark.
Chris Albano gave the Dolphins their final lead of the contest at the free-throw line, putting CSI ahead 87-86. However, the Rams responded with three consecutive three-pointers to create separation and ultimately secure the 104-94 victory.
Wiggan led all Dolphins with a double-double, finishing with 33 points and 10 rebounds. Matos and Francis each contributed 14 points, while Shedrach Makanjuola added 10 points and five rebounds. Albano made an impact in his first collegiate game, recording seven points, five assists, and four rebounds.
The Dolphins will return to the Tank Sunday afternoon for day two of the Tournament of Heroes, where they will face Saint Anselm College at 2:00 PM.
GAME REPLAY
