Kings Point took a 13-point lead six minutes into the second half, but Jared Weir’s three-pointer on the next play kicked off eight unanswered points by the Panthers, who pulled within five two minutes later. The Mariners responded, this time building a 12-point lead with 6:47 to play on two made free throws by Eric Hanson.
Old Westbury made a late comeback attempt, cutting the lead to five with under one minute to play on a made three-pointer by Michael Garrett. After two Kings Point free throws, Garrett kept it close with another lay-up. Pat Grace sank two free throws with 22 seconds on the clock for Kings Point, but Garrett kept the Panthers alive, sinking his second three in the final minute to cut the lead to four with 18 seconds remaining in regulation.
Kings Point converted four free throws in the final 16 seconds for the 85-77 win.
The Panthers pulled out to a 9-0 lead to open the game, but Kings Point chipped away at the lead and would eventually tie the game at 16 midway through the half. The Mariners took their first lead of the game, on a three-pointer by Eric Hanson that put Kings Point up 19-18.
Old Westbury took a 33-32 lead with 2:26 remaining in the half on two made free throws by Russell Brereton, but USMMA scored six-straight points in the next minute to take a 38-33 lead. Brereton's lay-up ended the run, however, the Mariners' Brian Kelly hit a lay-up as time expired, giving Kings Point a five-point halftime lead.
Garrett led all scorers with 21, hitting 8-of-16 from the field. Derek DeLoney came off the bench to score 13 for the Panthers. Alex Loepker led Kings Point with 17 points. Zach Wyatte finished with a 14-point, 12-rebound double-double.
The Panthers will return to Skyline Conference action in game two of a women's/men's double header with Stevens. Tipoff is scheduled for 4:00 pm, following the women's game at 2:00 pm.