JAMAICA, N.Y.—William Paterson University used a strong second half to top the York College men's basketball team, 83-75, in the Cardinals' final game before Winter break on Monday.
It was a physical game that featured a lot of fouls on both sides, with each team attempting 29 free throws. William Paterson made 75.9 percent of its free throws, including 17 in the second half. York made 19 of 29 (66.7 percent).
The Cardinals had the advantage for most of the first half, playing strong defense and forcing 11 turnovers. York led by as many as 10 points in the first half and went into the locker room with a three-point advantage.
The Pioneers came out strong in the second half, scoring three straight buckets on a fast break and pulled ahead, 41-38, with 18:25 to go.
The game stayed tight until an 8-0 WPU run put the Pioneers up by nine (61-52) with under eight minutes to go. They would eventually push their lead up to 12 points. York would battle back to cut the lead to five. However, the final few minutes turned into a free throw shooting contest and the Pioneers hit their last eight shots to seal the victory.
Dapo Badmos of WPU had a monster game, scoring 31 points on 10-of-15 shooting, which included 4 shots from long range.
York got another double-double from
Ryan Smart—his sixth of the season—scoring 17 points and grabbing 14 rebounds.
Edwin Sainvil had 18 points and four assists.
Jonathan Jones had 13 points, while
Jean Joseph scored 11.
The Cardinals go into the break with a record of 3-7, while William Paterson is 5-6. York will return to action on January 5 when they host Lehman College.
