Feb. 20, 2004
Stony Brook, N.Y. -
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The Stony Brook Seawolves put their two-game winning steak on the line when they host conference rival Binghamton on Sunday afternoon. Stony Brook (8-16, 5-10) will look to even the season series with the Bearcats (12-14, 8-7) in a game that will be televised live on the MSG network. Tip-off is 2 p.m.
GAME INFORMATION
Game #25: Binghamton at Stony Brook
Tip off: Sunday, Feb. 14 at 2:00 p.m.
Site: Indoor Sports Complex, Stony Brook, N.Y.
Records: Binghamton (12-14, 8-7); Stony Brook (8-16, 5-10 AE)
Series Record: SB leads 24-13
Last Meeting: Binghamton 80-71 on Jan. 25
Radio: WLIE 540 AM - Ray Alexander (play-by-play),
Curt Hylton (analyst)
TV: MSG Network, Empire Sports - 4 p.m.
Live Stats: Available at www.goseawolves.org
About Binghamton: The Bearcats enter Sunday's action at 12-14, 8-7 in conference play. The fifth place Binghamton squad is led by center Nick Billings who leads the team in both scoring (13.8 ppg.) and rebounding (7.5 rpg.) Freshman Troy Hailey handles the bulk of the point guard duties and averages 9.0 points per game.
About the Seawolves: Stony Brook has won two straight following a dramatic 81-74 double overtime win over Albany on Wednesday night. SB rallied from eight points down in the final 2:11 to tie the game on a 3-pointer by D.J. Munir as the buzzer sounded to send the game to overtime. After the first overtime failed to decide the outcome, the Seawolves took control in the second extra session as Munir scored seven of his game-high 31 points to lift SB to victory. It was SB's first road win in conference play this season and third overtime game of the season. The Seawolves are 2-1 in overtime this year.
Binghamton Vs. Stony Brook: Stony Brook holds a 24-13 series edge in a matchup that dates back to 1963.
The First Meeting: Nick Billings and Brandon Carter each scored 22 points to lead Binghamton to a 80-71 win on January 25. Binghamton shot 61.5 percent from the field in the second half. SB was hurt by turnovers as well, the team committed 17 turnovers compared to BU's six.
Playoff Push: With three regular season games remaining, Stony Brook sits as the No. 6 seed. If SB can hold on to the No. 6 seed by the end of next week, it will avoid the Friday afternoon play-in round will features the teams that finish 7-through-10.
With 31 Comes 1,500: Munir's second 31-point effort of the season gave him 1,514 career points, making him the fifth player in school history to reach the 1,500-point plateau. With three regular season and at least one playoff game remaining, Munir is likely to catch Ron Duckett (1,551 points) and finish his Stony Brook career No. 4 on the all-time scoring list.
Munir has two 30-point games to his credit this year and six for his career. He is only the fourth player in school history to record at least six 30-point games.
Farewell Seniors: Sunday's game marks the final home game for four Stony Brook seniors. D.J. Munir, J.B. Bennett, Dan Rickard and Mike Konopka will suit up for the final time at the Indoor Sports Complex when SB hosts Binghamton.
Long Distance Dedications: The Seawolves have suddenly found the range from behind the 3-point arc. Ranked near the bottom of the league in threes made per game throughout the season, SB has averaged 7.5 in its last two games. As a result, the Seawolves have averaged 75.5 ppg. in their last two, far above their season average of 62.6 ppg. SB connected on 7-of-17 attempts against Albany.
Point Well Taken: Since Munir moved to the point guard position five games ago, he has put up some impressive numbers. In five games, he has averaged 16.8 points, 3.8 rebounds and 4.8 assists.
Century Men: D.J. Munir will play in his 100th game on Sunday, making him the 12th player in school history to play in at least 100 games. Classmate Mike Konopka will play in his 99th game on Sunday and can reach the 100-game milestone on Thursday against BU.
Is "Pop" Top Rookie?: Freshman Mike Popoko continues to make his case as one of the best newcomers in the America East. After being named America East Rookie of the Week for the second time on Monday, "Pop" turned in another terrific all-around effort with 16 points, six rebounds, two assists, three blocks and three steals. In his last two games, he has averaged 15.5 points, 7.0 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 1.5 blocks and 3.0 steals.
Three In A Row?: A win over Binghamton would give SB its first three-game win streak of the season.
Another Freshman Steps Up: Since moving to the No.2 guard spot, freshman Mitchell Beauford has upped his scoring production. He has scored in double figures in three of his last five games, averaging 10.0 points per game in that stretch.
Seeing Double: Junior Cori Spencer notched his first double-double of the season with 15 points and 12 boards against Albany on Wednesday. Spencer has recorded a career high 12 rebounds in two of his last three games, the other was a 12-rebound performance against Vermont.
