VESTAL, N.Y. - Binghamton men's basketball (14-14, 6-7 America East) built a 13-point halftime lead and continued its late-season surge with a 79-60 win over visiting New Hampshire (7-21, 5-8 AE) Thursday night at Dr. Bai Lee Court at the Events Center. The win was Binghamton's fifth in its last seven games and kept the Bearcats a half-game out of fourth place in the conference standings with three games remaining. The top four teams host quarterfinal games on March 8.

Binghamton finished the first half with a deciding 17-4 run and limited UNH to 29% shooting in the initial period. The game was tied 18-18 with 8:17 left in the half before the Bearcats pulled away with a run that featured eight points from graduate forward Ben Callahan-Gold. He produced a three-point play, another driving layup and a 3-pointer during a 5:28 span. UNH misfired on 10-of-12 to end the half and hit just nine field goals in the game's first 20 minutes. 

The Bearcats opened the second half with a 15-5 run spanning six minutes to push its lead to 23 points. Binghamton's lead swelled to as many as 29 points (75-46) before UNH brought it back to the final 19-point margin.  

"I thought defensively we were locked in and guys were executing," head coach Levell Sanders said. "Offensively we were a little passive to start but the defense was able to carry us. It was a total team effort. We came out focused tonight and stepped up to the plate. I'm happy we were able to get the win."

Four Bearcats reached double figures, led by sophomore forward Gavin Walsh, who tallied team-highs of 15 points, 13 rebounds, five assists and three steals. The double-double was Walsh's record-tying 13th of the season. He continues to lead the America East and rank among the NCAA top-10 in rebounds (11.2/game) and double-doubles. Graduate guard Tymu Chenery contributed 14 points and nine rebounds. Callahan-Gold scored 10 of his 14 points in the pivotal first half. Seniors Chris Walker (13 pts.) and Wes Peterson, Jr. (10) also reached double digits. 

Binghamton shot 52% and posted its most lopsided conference win in four years - since a 65-44 home win over the same Wildcats on Jan. 30, 2020.  

The Bearcats stay at home to host Maine Saturday afternoon for Senior Day. Binghamton will honor its four seniors: Nehemiah Benson, Ben Callahan-Gold, Tymu Chenery, and Robby Phillips.