VESTAL, N.Y. -- Senior forward
Reggie Fuller produced 16 points, a record-tying 15 rebounds and three blocks and then secured the win with two steals in the final 17 seconds as Binghamton (7-4) held off visiting Marist (5-9) 73-71 Tuesday night from the Events Center.
Fuller's overall play was the difference in a tight game that featured eight ties and 11 lead changes, with neither team building a lead of more than six in the second half.
Binghamton withstood 12 three-pointers from the Red Foxes, who shot better from beyond the arc (48%) than inside (35%). The Bearcats had an opportunity to ice the game in the closing minute but missed three free throws in the final 39 seconds, keeping the door open for Marist.
With the Bearcats clinging to a 71-69 lead on defense, Fuller slipped around his assignment and stole an entry pass with 17 seconds left. He was fouled and converted 1-of-2 free throws to push the lead to three, 72-69. Marist then made an uncontested layup with six seconds left and promptly fouled junior guard
Malik Alvin, who made 1-of-2 from the line for a 73-71 lead. The Red Foxes had one final chance to go for the tie or win but as they pushed the ball up the floor in the waning seconds, Fuller poked the ball away from behind at midcourt with two seconds left.
"It was a tough game," head coach Kevin Broadus said. "I was pleased with our effort in the second half - our defense was pretty good. Marist made some big shots. Every time we got a little separation, they hit a big three."
Fuller, the America East Player of the Game, tied a school record with the 15 rebounds and earned his second double-double of the season. He hit 7-of-11 from the floor and his three second-half blocks and looming presence near the basket affected the Marist offense.
Junior guard
D.J. Rivera, the leading scorer in the America East (21.1 ppg.), netted a game-high 22 points with nine rebounds. It was the sixth straight game Rivera has scored at least 20 points. Alvin hit 8-of-9 free throws and had 14 points and four assists. Junior guard Emanuel Mayben added 10 points and five assists.
R.J. Hall and Ryan Schneider scored 20 and 19 points respectively, to pace Marist.
Binghamton next travels to Orono, Maine for the team's America East opener Saturday afternoon against the Black Bears.
