Warriors Outlast SUNY ESF on Senior Night

QUEENS, N.Y. - The Vaughn College Warriors faced a three point deficit at halftime on Sunday, February 7, against Hudson Valley Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (HVIAC) opponent SUNY ESF. The Warriors entered the game with a perfect record in conference play. It was also senior night for two year captain Moises Chaucer (Bronx, NY) The SUNY ESF Oaks had plans on ruining the pregame celebration for Chaucer, and the Warriors' unblemished HVIAC record. 

The Oaks opened up the second half going on a 8-2 run to expand their lead to nine points. All year the Vaughn College Warriors have faced various adverse situations and have found ways to overcome them. The SUNY Oaks would find out how difficult it is to close out a resilient Warriors team.

Junior conference player of the year candidate Michael Pena (Dumont, NJ) would explode for 18 second half points, including back to back triples late in the second half to help keep the Warriors in striking distance of the lead. Pena finished the game with 23 points, five rebounds, a pair of assits, and a couple of steals. 

Pena would have help from teammates Ian Parker (Yonkers, NY) and Eric McDonald (Peekskill, NY) in the Warriors fight to get back in the game. Parker registered a game high 27 points and dished out four assists. McDonald had his best game of the season shooting a perfect 6-6 from the field, finishing with 13 points and 8 rebounds. 

The game would come down to the final minutes to determine a winner. The Warriors would make key baskets and free throws down the stretch to secure an emotional come from behind victory over the Oaks.

On Wednesday, February 10, the Warriors will travel to Berkeley College (NY) for a battle of the unbeaten. Both the Vaughn College Warriors (6-0) and the Berkeley College Knights (5-0) have not lost in conference play this season. The winner of the game will most likely determine the regular season conference champion.