Colts Fall In Sweet Sixteen to Top-Ranked Palm Beach State

Danville, IL - The SUNY Orange Colts men's basketball team saw their hopes at a national title dashed Tuesday night, as they fell in their Sweet Sixteen matchup to top-ranked Palm Beach State, 88-66. The Colts will move on to the consolation bracket where they will look to secure a seventh-place finish.

Freshman Anthony Pacciarelli (Monroe, NY / St. Joseph Regional) led the Colts with 23 points on 7-19 shooting and sophomore Darren McFarlane (Bronx, NY / Monsignor Scanlon) was extremelt efficient in the post, posting a near double-double with 12 points and 9 rebounds on 5-7 shooting, however foul trouble limited his opportunities. Sophomore guard Johnny Floyd (Bronx, NY / James Monroe) was near perfect off the bench, scoring nine points on 2-3 shooting, including 1-1 from three-point distance and 4-4 from the free throw line.

Both teams would trade baskets in the opening minutes before a Pacciarelli three gave the Colts their first lead of the game. Back to back baskets by the standout freshman gave the Colts an early 12-7 lead, and the Colts defense held true to form, holding the Panthers to just two points over the next five minutes. The Colts however, were unable to capitalize on the stout defense and the Panthers quickly tied the game at 14-14 with 10:16 remaining.

The Colts tied the game at 19-19 and trailed by as little as three with just 4:34 remaining in the half, however Palm Beach State ramped up their defense and forced six turnovers before half to ignite a 13-4 run to close out the half with a 42-28 lead.

The second half started with more of the same pressure, as the #1 ranked Panthers scored on back to back possessions to open the half and extend their lead to 46-28. The Colts, ever resiliant, answered with a 12-3 run of their own over the next three minutes to get the deficit back to single digits. A three-pointer by Keishawn Morris (Brooklyn, NY / South Shore) cut the Panthers lead to 49-40.

Unfortunately, that would be as close as the Colts would get, as foul trouble and fatigue set in, and the Panthers would extend their lead throughout the half.

The Colts move on to the consolation bracket where they take on 8th-ranked Mid Michigan Thursday at 3:00 pm.