Cougars Go 2-0 to Sweep Inaugural Casella Tipoff Classic
Cougars Set for Conference Opener Nov. 4 Following Tournament Sweep
Hoops on the Hill returned over the weekend as Clinton Community College welcomed SUNY Ulster, Vermont State University-Randolph and Great Bay Community College for the inaugural Casella Tipoff Classic at the Forrence Center.
The Cougars opened the weekend against Vermont State-Randolph. After the first half, Clinton trailed by four points at the break. In the second half, the Cougars built a 13-point lead with 2:30 to play. The Knights went to a full-court press and cut the deficit to five points with 30 seconds remaining, but the Cougars held on for an 85-82 win. Felix Morales IV led Clinton with 22 points and seven rebounds, while Angel Bowen and Angelo Guzman each added 17 points.
Day two opened with a recognition of tournament sponsor Casella Waste Systems before the Cougars took the floor against Great Bay Community College. Both teams entered the game 1-0 after winning the previous day. The Herons started quickly, scoring 17 points in the first five minutes behind several 3-pointers and building a 15-point lead in the first half. The Cougars cut the lead to 49-41 at halftime. In the second half, Clinton held Great Bay to 29 points over the final 20 minutes.
Trailing by four points with 17 seconds remaining, Clinton's Trevor Harris was fouled and made both free throws to cut the lead to two. Following a Clinton timeout, the Cougars came out in a press, and a steal by Morales led to a pass and a foul that sent Bowen to the free-throw line with 10 seconds remaining. He made both free throws to tie the game at 78 and force overtime. The Cougars completed the comeback with a 96-90 victory to improve to 2-0 and sweep the Casella Tipoff Classic. Morales led the way with 24 points, followed by Bowen with 21 and Guzman with 16. Brayce Patterson recorded 17 rebounds.
“This team is resilient and never gives up, and that’s what allows us to always be in the game,” said Head Coach Neil Epstein.
Casella Tipoff Classic All-Tournament Team
- Nasir Snell, SUNY Ulster
- Anthony Henson, Vermont State-Randolph
- Max Holliman, Great Bay Community College
- Angelo Guzman, Clinton Community College
- Angel Bowen, Clinton Community College
- Tournament MVP: Felix Morales IV, Clinton Community College
The Cougars return to action Wednesday, Nov. 4, on the road against SUNY Adirondack in their first conference game of the season.
Clinton's next home game is Wednesday, Nov. 18, against Hudson Valley Community College. Tipoff is scheduled for 6 p.m. at the Forrence Center.
Learn more about Clinton Community College Athletics.