The Purchase University Men’s Basketball Team was ranked 1st in the NCAA Division III Atlantic Region standings posted February 28th.
The Panthers ended their season with an overall record of 24-5. Purchase University met Cabrini College and lost 91-84.
The Panthers’ Season
The Panther’s faced Cabrini College in an attempt to get to the Sweet 16. The Panther’s dreams of NCAA glory were crushed when Cabrini College won 91-84. Free throws and injuries led to the disappointing loss for the Panthers.
At one point, the Panthers were up by double digits, but Cabrini wouldn’t stop trying. A 16-3 run by Cabrini in the beginning of the second half slowly chipped away at the point deficit until they eventually took the lead 66-64 with 7:24 remaining. Tri-captain Corey Orgias was sorely missed as he sat most of the game with a hamstring injury. Missed free throws by the Panthers in the second half also contributed to their demise.
The Panthers still had a successful season with their overall record of 24-5 being the greatest single-season mark in program history, won the Skyline Conference regular season title, Skyline Tournament Champions, and advanced to the second round of the NCAA tournament. Head Coach Jeff Charney couldn’t be prouder of his team, but relied on Marvin Billups and Michael McNair in order to succeed.
About The Team
Head Coach Jeff Charney is in his fourth season with Purchase University. He has guided the Panthers to back-to-back Skyline Conference Tournament Titles and back-to-back NCAA Division III Tournament berths.
He was also named the All-Atlantic Region Coach of the Year and All-Met Coach of the year for the 2009-2010 season. Charney has turned the Panther program around by using his successes in previous coaching endeavors. He is a longtime local baseball, football, and basketball coach. His success this season will continue to improve as he prepares for the 2011-2012 season.
Senior Marvin Billups was named Skyline Player of the Year for back-to-back seasons. He was also named to the D3 All-Star Game, NABC All-Atlantic Region First Team, All-America Second Team, Division III Eastern College Athletic Conference All-Star First Team, and Honor Roll Mention seven times.
Billups averaged 19.4 points per game, 2.59 steals per game, and a 52.8 field goal percentage. Senior Michael McNair was named to the All-Conference Second Team and Skyline Tournament Most Valuable Player. He averaged 14.4 points per game and 2.3 rebounds per game. McNair has scored over 1,000 career points, and joins Billups in this illustrious club.
About The School
Purchase University is located in Purchase, NY and has over 4,000 students. The university attempts to blend traditional liberal arts and sciences programs and conservatory-based arts programs to inspire an appreciation for both intellectual and artistic talents in all students.
The college is known for its arts programs and high-ranking liberal arts and science programs. Graduates from Purchase are among the most famous, most successful, most satisfied, and most sought after.
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