News Release

PURCHASE, N.Y. — Senior Mike Benziger (Sonoma, Calif.) poured in a game-high 23 points as the Manhattanville Valiants advanced to the semifinals of the Skyline Conference Tournament with a 73-69 victory over the Old Westbury Panthers.

Sophomore Brian Fink (Queens, N.Y.) added 20 points, four rebounds and three steals and junior John DiBetta (Valhalla, N.Y.) added 12 points as the Valiants extended their winning streak to five games.

For Old Westbury, senior Russell Brereton (Amityville, N.Y.) recorded a double-double with 12 points and 10 rebounds, while senior Michael Garrett (Brooklyn, N.Y.) tallied 17 points on 5-of-12 shooting from the floor.

The contest was tied at 56-56 with 5:43 remaining in the second half before Manhattanville went on an 8-0 run thanks to six free throws by DiBetta and Fink and a jumper from Benziger.

Old Westbury out rebounded Manhattanville 41-31 and shot 19-of-20 from the free throw line. However, the Valiants converted 27-of-37 free throws and went 8-for-15 from beyond the arc.

Defensively, Manhattanville held the Panthers to 39 percent shooting from the floor and forced 16 Old Westbury Turnovers. Infractions were plentiful between both clubs as 50 personal fouls were called in the contest.

The Valiants will host the semifinal game on Thursday starting at 7 p.m. against the winner of the Mount Saint Mary/Yeshiva game.