Farmingdale State - 73, Old Westbury - 67

Farmingdale, N.Y. - The Farmingdale State men's basketball team (5-2, 2-0) held conference rival Old Westbury (3-3, 2-1) to 28-percent from the field in the second half to overcome a six-point halftime deficit and take a 73-67 victory tonight in Farmingdale, N.Y. Rams junior guard Dyshaun Flournoy (Brentwood, N.Y.) posted a game-high 23 points.

The beginning of the game was close with five ties and a 14-14 score at the 12-minute mark. Farmingdale State broke away for a nine point lead, before an Old Westbury run and three foul shots by senior guard Jamal Little (Spring Valley, N.Y.) tied the game at 33-33 with 2:57 left on the clock. Two three-pointers to close the half would give the Panthers the 41-37 edge at the break.

In the second, Old Westbury pushed the lead to six with an opening basket, while Flournoy and junior forward AJ Matthews (Brooklyn, N.Y.) each scored and the Rams trailed 43-41. A steal by senior guard Joshua Smith (Deer Park, N.Y.) would set up a dunk by Matthews to tie the game at 43-43. Flournoy sank a three on the next possession, as the Rams went ahead 46-43.

The Panthers regained the lead three times but never by more than a point, as Farmingdale State shot 61-percent from the field in the second half and held on for the Skyline win.

Smith finished with 17 points and four assists for the night, Matthews finished with 15 points, freshman forward Ibrahim Johnson (New York, N.Y.) had 11 points and seven rebounds. Junior guard Ryan Davis (Flushing, N.Y.) dished out nine assists.

The Rams will now travel to face conference opponent Yeshiva University on Monday, December 12th before the holiday break. Then pick up play again in the Randolph Macon Coaches Invitational in Ashland, Va. on December 29-30.

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