News Release

PURCHASE, N.Y. — The Old Westbury men’s basketball team dropped its second-straight game today, falling 84-76 in the Skyline Conference opener at Manhattanville. The Panthers fall to 1-2 overall, while the Valiants improve to 4-2 on the season.

The two teams played even in the first half, as Russell Brereton kept the Panthers in the game early, scoring nine first half points. A steal and a jumper by Michael Garrett with just over four minutes to play in the period, gave Old Westbury a one-point advantage.

Manhattanville regained the lead on the next play, then scored the final six points of the game, to take a 36-30 lead into halftime.

Old Westbury tallied back-to-back three-pointer to open the second half and tie the game at 36. Another jumper by Garrett, this time at the 15-minute mark of the second frame, gave Old Westbury its largest lead of the half, a four-point advantage. A free throw by the Valiants’ Cody Moffett tied the game for the fifth time, two and a half minutes later.

With 8:19 to play, the game was tied up at 58, the eighth and final deadlock of the day. Minutes later, Manhattanville went on an 8-2 run and took a 71-64 lead with 3:43 on the clock. Ramel Phillips pulled Old Westbury within three with a made jumper at the 2:21 mark, but Manhattanville outscored the Panthers 13-8 in the final two minutes, to win by eight.

Roman Pettway led four Panthers in double-digits, finishing with 16 points. Garrett tallied 14 and Jared Weir and Brereton followed with 13 and 11, respectfully. Mike Benziger led all scorers with 23 for Manhattanville.

Old Westbury will host New Paltz on Tuesday, December 6 at the Clark Athletic Center.