Bobcats Hit the Big Time in Albany

Albany, NY ~ Showtime.

In a program and school first, the Paul Smith's College men's basketball team has gone toe-to-toe with an NCAA Division I program.

Last night, the Bobcats traveled to the capital district to take on NCAA D1 UAlbany in front of a large crowd at the Broadview Center, dropping the match 106-57 - a very respectable showing for a small, non-NCAA college in the middle of the Adirondacks.

"I am thrilled that we got to participate in this opportunity," said head men's basketball coach Tim Lamay.  "Our guys competed and represented our program and Paul Smith's College with a commitment to hard work and success."

The Bobcats were led offensively by Yashiro Hurst Jr. (Muncy, IN) who scored 22 points, leading all players on the court.  The first-year player also added five assists, three rebounds, and two steals, showcasing his versatility.

"Playing against UAlbany was crazy," said Hurst.  "The whole process from walking in the building to warming up felt different - you could just tell NCAA D1 facilities are on a different level."

Fellow first-year player Talon Brooks (St. Petersburg, FL) has been the other standout offensively for the Bobcats in the early season.  He also hit double digits with 11 points while adding two assists, two steals, and three 3-pointers.

"Playing against UAlbany was one of the best experiences of my life and basketball career!" he exclaimed.  "The facilities and court are so well taken care of, and the fans show out, so it was an amazing environment to be in.  Being able to compete at the highest level with the highest-level players is something I will never forget," added Brooks.

Also scoring for the visitors were O'neil Mason (eight points), Manny Belcher (six points), Larenz Miller (five points), Seb Cecunjanin (three points), and Jack Taylor (two points).  The reality of scoring points and competing against a legitimate program like UAlbany is something the players, coaches, fans, and Paul Smith's College community won't soon forget.

"I'm really excited our guys got to compete on the biggest stage and be able to enjoy the full experience," said Paul Smith's College athletic director Zack Luzzi.  "I'm proud of how our team maintained their composure and positive mentality from the first whistle to the last," he added.

"I want to thank Coach Killings, his staff, and the team at Albany for bringing us there to play the game," added Lamay.

The Bobcats are 1-6 on the season, although every loss has been competitive.  They travel back to the capital district tomorrow (Thursday, November 20th) to take on Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences.  Tip off is at 5pm at the Albert M. White Gymnasium.

You can follow the men's basketball team on Instagram at @psc_mensbball or follow the general athletics account at @smitty_nation for schedules, scores, highlights, and more!

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At Paul Smith's College, it's about the experience. As the only four-year institution of higher education located in the Adirondack Park in upstate New York, Paul Smith's provides real-world, hands-on learning in fields such as business or and hospitality, culinary management, forestry, environmental sciences, and natural resources. We can draw on industries and resources available in our backyard while preparing students for successful careers anywhere. Our community of resourceful, enterprising, supportive, and adventurous individuals collectively provides experiential education, student support in the classroom and beyond, and meaningful opportunities for our alumni. We pride ourselves on research and advocacy on issues that improve our planet and the lives of the people who inhabit it. Learn more at www.paulsmiths.edu.