Keene State men’s basketball played Guilford’s men’s basketball on Friday, March 8 at 7:15 p.m. in Greensboro, N.C. for a chance to move onto the Elite Eight in the NCAA Tournament.
Keene was predicted fifth while Guilford was predicted seventh in the NCAA tournament, according to the D3Hoops poll. However, Keene State took the loss in the Sweet 16 to Guilford with a score of 82-60.
The Keene State men’s basketball Coach, David Hastings responded to the outcome, “This is not the end we had worked for, but they will all grow as human beings and will be very successful moving forward.” He then added that he was proud of the team and how they played this season.
Keene State’s athletic director, Martin Testo had some additional thoughts about the season, “I know for our players and our coaches they expected more but for me, for the community and for the students I think we need to be really proud of what they accomplished. To be one of the last 16 teams standing is an amazing accomplishment.”
Both teams came off strong in the first half. Keene State put up the first two points on the board by number 3, junior captain Octavio Brito. Guilford followed back 20 seconds later with a shot by number 23, graduate student Julius Burch.
Seven minutes into the first half, Guilford led with a six-point lead of 15-9 with a three-pointer by number 34, graduate student Tyler Dearman. Keene put up two more points shortening the lead by a fast break from Brito. However, Dearman then again put up two points, making the score 17-11 in favor of Guilford.
The score remained close for the next three minutes of the half. Then, with around nine minutes left in the half, Keene took the lead. Number 12, senior captain Mason Jean Baptiste got the defensive rebound to then shoot a three-pointer, changing the score to 19-18 in favor of Keene.
Keene held the lead until the last three minutes of the first half when Guilford player, number 15, junior Luke Proctor shot a layup. The score became 33-32, Guilford.
After the first half the score was 40-34 in favor of Guilford.
The second half began with a turnover by Keene. The score remained close with Guilford still in the lead. Then, Guilford gained a nine point lead with a three pointer by number 10, junior Caleb Farrish.
The score became 49-40 in favor of Guilford.
Guilford gained five more points due to turnovers and defensive rebounds while Keene remained at 40. Keene then put two points on the board with a layup by Brito.
Guilford continued to hold the score with a large lead.
With five minutes left in the second half, number 13, fifth year Jeff Hunter concluded his final season by fouling out of the game. Just two minutes later, Babtiste also fouled out.
Guilford continued to put up points onto the board and Keene could not seem to catch up.
The end score became 82-60 in favor of Guilford. Making Guilford head to the Elite Eight in the NCAA Tournament.
Elyse Picard can be contacted
at epicard@kscequinox.com
The Equinox incorrectly stated the KSC men’s basketball team missed its chance to move on to the Elite Four when in fact it was the Elite Eight. The Equinox apologizes for this error.
