Warriors Advance to Conference Championship Game

NEW ROCHELLE, N.Y. - On Saturday, February 20, the Vaughn College men's basketball team advanced to the Hudson Valley Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (HVIAC) championship game after defeating the number three seed, Albany Pharmacy, in the conference semi-finals. Both teams got out to a slow start on the offensive and defensive side of the ball. At the half, the Warriors held an 11 point advantage over the Albany Pharmacy Panthers. The Warriors would create even more separation from the Panthers in the second half, led by freshman Ian Parker (Yonkers, NY). Parker had his best game of the season scoring a team high 26 points and registering two blocks, two assists and two steals. The Warriors would win in convincing fashion by a final score of 88-68.

Sergio Mejia (New York, NY) finished with 16 points and seven rebounds for the Warriors. Junior guards Michael Pena (Dumont, NJ) and Maleec Taylor (Rockville Centre, NY) made helpful contributions for the Warriors in the HVIAC semi-finals. Pena chipped in 13 points and grabbed seven rebounds. Taylor added 10 points, six assists, and seven steals. 

The win improves the Warriors record to 16-5 on the season and sets up a rematch against the Berkeley College Knights in the HVIAC championship game. The Knights are the only team to beat the Warriors in the HVIAC. The HVIAC championship game is scheduled to tip off at 1 p.m. on Sunday February 21, at the College of New Rochelle.