Old Westbury and York played an even final ten minutes, with the lead bouncing back and forth between the two teams. With 1:53 the game was deadlocked for the sixth time, as both teams had 61 on the scoreboard. The Panthers went ahead by two, as Derek DeLoney sank two-of-three free throws, and the Cardinals once again had a chance to tie the game, with Boone on the line for two.
Boone sank only one of the two and, after a missed opportunity by Old Westbury, Boone sank the would-be game winner on the Cardinal’s next possession.
With 17 seconds on the clock, the Panthers, trailing 64-63, set up for one final opportunity, but turned the ball over with five seconds to play in regulation. Old Westbury was given one last opportunity, as York’s Christopher Roberts committed his fifth foul prior to the inbounds, giving possession back to Old Westbury with just under three seconds to go. The Panthers, however, could not connect on their final attempt and York held on for the win.
York took a 17-6 lead to open the game, but Old Westbury clawed its way back with a 7-0 run, capped with a three-pointer from Ramel Phillips. The Panthers continued to pressure tie the game at 20 when Ian Johnson converted a three-point play. The Panthers remained in control as the first half wound down, taking a 35-30 lead, but York tallied the final six points of the second half to take a 36-35 lead at the break.
Old Westbury shot 39.7% from the field (23-58), while the Cardinals converted nearly 60% of their attempts (29-49).
Roman Pettway led Old Westbury for the second-straight game, finishing with 18 points, Russell Brereton added 15 in his first appearance of the year. Boone finished with a double-double for York, adding 12 rebounds to his 19 points.
Old Westbury is back in action on Saturday in its first Skyline game of the year at Manhattanville.