ASTORIA, N.Y. – Vaughn College Warriors men's basketball team squared off against Sarah Lawrence Tuesday night. It was the Warriors Pink Nation game dedicated to raise money for the breast cancer research foundation. Over 300 fans and spectators packed Elmcor Recreation Center to support the fight against breast cancer and to watch the Warriors fight for playoff positioning in the HVIAC. Food and drinks were sold throughout the game. Dj Zeke kept the crowd entertained playing old school and new school music during time outs. The Vaughn College dance team put on a mesmerizing half time performance and received a long standing ovation from the crowd. Many fans won raffle prizes which included Warrior gear and other breast cancer themed prizes. One lucky fan won a PlayStation4 in the grand prize raffle.
Before the game started two of Vaughn College seniors were honored for their commitment and participation on the men's varsity basketball team. Captain Jared Ndiba (Roxbury, NJ) and Raphael Henery (New Windsor, NY) both received plaque awards for their athletic achievements at Vaughn College.
The significance of this game was huge for both teams. A win for the Warriors would mean they would be tied for second place with Berkeley College in the HVIAC. Sarah Lawrence needed a win to make the playoffs. A loss against Vaughn College would eliminate them from playoff contention.
The Warriors started off the game firing on all cylinders as they jumped to an early 15 point lead. The energy from the crowd and the significance of the game seemed to propel the Warriors as they executed near to perfection on both the offensive and defensive side of the ball. The Warriors headed into the break leading Sarah Lawrence 39-24. Freshmen center Eric McDonald (Peekskill, NY) paced the warriors with eight points and six rebounds in the first half. McDonald provided the Warriors with a low post presence that had been lacking in the Warriors offense for the majority of the season. McDonald had the best game of the season, finishing with 16 points and 11 rebounds.
In the second half, the Warriors put the game out of reach for Sarah Lawrence going up by as many as 30 points. Each Warrior joined in the game's action to the delight of the crowd. Rashad Luckett (Chicago,IL) scored the most points in the game, finishing with 20 points and grabbed a season high of 10 rebounds. This was Luckett's first double-double of the season. Michael Pena (Dumont, NJ) scored 10 points and dished out seven assists in the game and Maleec Taylor (Rockville Centre, NY) added nine points for the Warriors.