Men’s Basketball Wins One, Loses Two
By Owen Russell
After dropping two of their three games this past week, the men’s basketball team finds themselves in rough shape heading into the playoffs.
The week started on a high note as the Bulldogs faced the Cougars from Medgar Evers on Feb. 7. The Cougars got off to a hot start, scoring 39 points in the first half as Brooklyn only put up 28. Though things looked bleak for Brooklyn, the second half saw a major turnaround.
Brooklyn scored an incredible 58 points in the second half, 30 more than they did in the first, and went on to win the game 87-80.
Senior guard Noah Shy lit up the stat sheet. Not only did Shy drop 30 points, he grabbed nine rebounds, threw seven assists, and even swiped three steals, an incredible performance by the senior which helped Brooklyn secure their third win of the season. The glow of Brooklyn’s win against Medgar Evers, however, didn’t last long.
On Feb. 9, the Bulldogs hosted Hunter College and scored a season high 110 points, but ultimately lost the game. This time around, it was much the same. Both the Bulldogs and the Hawks scored early and often. Heading into the second half, the teams were neck and neck with Hunter 43, Brooklyn 41.
The second half saw an even heavier barrage of scoring, as Brooklyn added 59 points to their total. In the end Hunter was able to hold on, scoring 62 points in the second half and winning the game 105-100. Despite the loss, Brooklyn had some stand-out performances. Noah Shy had yet another impressive game, putting up 27 points and pulling down 16 rebounds. Along with Shy, sophomore forward Elisha Park scored over 20 points, dropping 25 and securing six rebounds.
Brooklyn’s second loss of the week came shortly after against CCNY on Feb. 11. After scoring triple digits the game before, Brooklyn looked hopeful to turn things around and earn their fourth win of the season, but the Beavers had other plans. The game started slow for the Bulldogs, only scoring 20 points compared to CCNY’s 33. Down big, the Bulldogs rallied somewhat in the second half, outscoring the Beavers 31-29, but it just wasn’t enough. City College went on to win 62-51, handing Brooklyn their 20th loss of the season. Brooklyn couldn’t replicate their previous games’ output, and the lack of scoring allowed CCNY to win with only 62 points. Noah Shy led the team in scoring for a third straight game with 14.
Brooklyn’s final game of the season will take place on Feb. 15 against York College. Sitting at 2-11 in conference play, the Bulldogs will more than likely enter the playoffs as the lowest seed.
Women’s Basketball Win Streak Ends
By Owen Russell
The seemingly unstoppable women’s basketball team had their nine-game win streak snapped with a loss to Salisbury University this past week.
The Bulldogs stumbled out of the gate, scoring only four points in the first quarter. Brooklyn’s slow start allowed the Seagulls from Salisbury to take advantage. By the second half, Salisbury led 33-17. Brooklyn fought back in the second, outscoring their opponent 33-22 in the half, but it wasn’t enough to earn the lead. Brooklyn would lose 55-50, marking their third loss of the season. Forward Chanel Jemmott scored half of Brooklyn’s total, dropping 25 points and grabbing eight rebounds.
The Bulldogs were determined to recapture momentum after coming off a stinging loss. On Feb. 9, Brooklyn hosted the Hawks from Hunter College. Hunter kept things close in the first quarter, trailing Brooklyn 15-12. Not willing to suffer another close defeat, the Bulldogs turned on the jets in the second quarter, applying staunch defense and holding the Hawks to only three points. From there, the Bulldogs were able to pull ahead and withstand a close fourth quarter, winning the game 72-55. Guards Gianna Gotti and Ericka James both scored 19 points, helping the Bulldogs secure their 10th conference win of the season.
Soon after, Feb. 11’s game against CCNY was another dominant performance by the best team in the CUNYAC. Brooklyn outscored the Beavers 46-18 in the first half and never looked back. By the time the final buzzer sounded, the Bulldogs had trounced the Beavers 78-33.
The Bulldogs took advantage of City College’s lack of ball security, scoring 37 points off of turnovers. Brooklyn was also able to find scoring in unlikely places, receiving 31 points off the bench. Leading the way for Brooklyn was junior guard Destiny Drummond, who scored 20 points in 21minutes. Brooklyn’s win against CCNY improved their record to 17-3 for the season and 11-0 in CUNYAC play.
Cruising into the playoffs, Brooklyn has two more games until the postseason. Their next contest will be on Feb. 15 against York College. With a win against York, the Bulldogs would secure an undefeated record against conference opponents.
Men’s Volleyball Split Four Games
By Owen Russell
The men’s volleyball team came into this week with one win and two losses. Looking to improve their record, the Bulldogs eventually split their four games this week.
On Feb. 8, Brooklyn hosted their intra-borough rival, the Bears from St. Joseph’s College. The two Brooklyn teams split the opening sets with the Bulldogs securing a 25-20 victory in the first, and St. Joseph answering back with a 25-19 victory in the second.
With things looking close, the Bulldogs were able to cut out any momentum the Bears thought they had with a 25-14 victory in the third set. From there, the Bulldogs won an easy 25-12 set in the fourth to secure the win. Brooklyn led in every conceivable category on their way to victory, leading in aces, kills, and assists, to name a few. Sophomore Admir Cekic led the team with 15 kills. Junior setter Brian Fok led the team with 39 assists.
Feb. 11 saw Brooklyn win their second straight contest with a victory against Sarah Lawrence College. The Bulldogs made quick work of the visiting Sarah Lawrence team, sweeping them in three straight sets (25-13, 25-18, 25-22). Brooklyn yet again led the game in most categories, most notably kills, where the Bulldogs led 39-13. Junior outside hitter Zhao Ming Li led the Bulldogs in kills with 11. Senior Jasper Diangco earned four aces and also nine kills, helping the Bulldogs earn their third win of the season.
Winning two straight games, the Bulldogs were confident heading into the St. Joseph’s (Long Island) tri-match on Feb. 12. Brooklyn’s first game of the day came against the hosting St. Joseph’s Golden Eagles.
The Bulldogs were no match for the Eagles, losing three straight sets on their way to a sweep. Brooklyn tried everything it could but wasn’t able to keep up with St. Joseph’s, losing each set by double digits.
Coming off a hard defeat, the Bulldogs had to suit up again and play the Rangers from Drew University. Though this game was closer than the previous one, Brooklyn still lost all three sets. Drew outclassed Brooklyn in every category, including aces, scoring seven compared to Brooklyn’s two. Junior outside hitter Darren Roach earned 12 kills, leading the way for the Bulldogs, while Brian Fok led the team with 21 assists.
Hoping to bounce back from their two losses, the Bulldogs will take on New Jersey City University on Feb. 20.