For Immediate Release: February 2, 2005
Contact: John Hartrick
Phone: 607-777-6800

Binghamton men's basketball quick out of gate in 66-38 win over Hartford
Bearcats open game on 29-10 run, never look back in shutting down Hawks

Box score
Post-Game Quotes

VESTAL, N.Y. - Binghamton (6-14, 3-8 America East) opened the game with a decisive 29-10 run, and went on to a 66-38 win over visiting Hartford (7-13, 3-8 AE) in an America East men's basketball game Wednesday night from the Events Center. The Bearcats made 10 of their first 16 shots (63%) and never looked back in snapping a three-game losing streak. Hartford has now lost 14 consecutive road games, dating back to last season.

Led by the team's 11th different starting lineup of the season, BU showed a spark that had been missing of late. Seven different players scored during the opening run, which featured four three-pointers. The Bearcats settled on a 37-21 halftime lead, and then held the Hawks to just four field goals over the game's final 20 minutes (17%).

"Our team defense was absolutely outstanding today," head coach Al Walker said. "That was really the difference. The defense set the tone. Every shot was challenged and we rebounded at a high level. Everyone off the bench contributed. It was just a great team effort. It demonstrates that when we play really hard and come out ready to go, we are a pretty good team. I hope we can build on this."

Freshman forward Jordan Fithian (McPherson, Kan.), who earned his fourth start of the season, scored six of his eight points in the first half, and added a team-high four assists in 31 minutes. Senior center Alex Adediran (Covington, Ga.) also was a force inside, contributing 14 points, eight rebounds and two blocks.

"I though Jordan really made a difference," Walker said. "He gives us such a smart presence on the floor. He can really pass the ball and that's gigantic for us because it gives us easy baskets. He's a great competitor and I'm really happy he was able to answer the bell. And Alex had one of his best games of the year. He came in and dominated the game while he was in there."

Junior guard Andre Heard (Oklahoma City, Okla.) scored a game-high 16 points, netting 12 of those after intermission.

Hartford was led by junior guard Aaron Cook, who scored 13 points.

Binghamton now hits the road for four of its next six games, beginning with a Sunday contest at Maine. That game is the America East TV Game of the Week and will broadcast live on MSG Network beginning at noon.

NOTES
The 44 points scored by Hartford were the lowest by any BU opponent since Charleston Southern scored 34 in a 38-34 Bearcats win last November 30.