At Rose Hill Gym in the Bronx, the Binghamton Bearcats men’s basketball team put forth a gritty effort against the Fordham Rams but ultimately fell short with a final score of 78-63 on Tuesday night. Despite trailing by as many as 16 points, the Bearcats displayed relentless fighting spirit, narrowing the gap to just six points in the second half before Fordham managed to widen the lead and secure the win.
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Strong Second Half Effort
Binghamton had a solid start, leading 13-6 in the first seven minutes and forcing Fordham into low shooting accuracy with just 1-for-8 in their first attempts. However, the Rams countered with a strong 22-3 run, shifting the momentum and taking an 11-point lead. The Bearcats worked to close the gap with an 8-2 run, reducing the score to 28-22 with 3:36 left in the half. However, Fordham made a three-pointer at the last second, bringing the halftime score to 38-28.
Standout Performances
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One of the Bearcats’ brightest players in this game was senior forward Gavin Walsh, who achieved his second consecutive double-double with 10 points and 18 rebounds—just one shy of Binghamton’s Division I record for rebounds, set by Thomas Bruce in 2018. Walsh showcased his strength on the boards, especially in the first half when he recorded 10 rebounds, significantly helping the Bearcats remain competitive with the home team.
Graduate guard Tymu Chenery led the Bearcats with 16 points, demonstrating steady scoring and ball control. Additionally, Nehemiah Benson contributed 11 points, while Ben Callahan-Gold scored all 15 of his points in the second half. Callahan-Gold’s three-pointer and quick layup helped the Bearcats pull within six points at 56-50 with 10:20 remaining. However, Fordham responded with a strong 14-0 run over four minutes, creating a safe margin that nearly guaranteed victory.
Challenges from the Opposition
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Despite outshooting Fordham and having a higher shooting accuracy, Binghamton faced numerous challenges, including 25 fouls and 18 turnovers, which hindered their comeback attempt. “We did some things well, but it’s hard to win when you’re giving the other team the ball,” head coach Levell Sanders remarked. “We need to improve our patience and composure under pressure.”
Defensive and Offensive Strategies
Binghamton implemented a tight defensive strategy from the beginning, forcing Fordham to work hard for scoring opportunities. However, Fordham found effective ways to attack, especially with three-point shots. They recorded a total of seven three-pointers in the first half, raising their score and creating a gap. Although the Bearcats had opportunities to catch up in the second half, Fordham maintained stability and control when it mattered most.
Looking Forward to the Next Game
After playing three of their first four games on the road, the Bearcats will return home for two consecutive games, beginning with a Saturday afternoon matchup against Misericordia on November 16. With a current record of 1-3, Coach Sanders’ team is in need of a victory to boost morale and rebuild strategy for the critical games ahead.
The game against Fordham was a testament to the fighting spirit of the Binghamton Bearcats. Though the result wasn’t as hoped, the team demonstrated resilience and relentless effort. With standout performances from key players like Walsh, Chenery, and Callahan-Gold, the Bearcats are showing signs of positive growth. Lessons from this game will serve as a foundation for improvement as the team prepares for upcoming challenges.
With support from fans at their home games, the Binghamton Bearcats hope to achieve new successes and create many memorable moments this season.
