After the opening week of basketball for the Plattsburgh Men’s Basketball team, the Cardinals are off to a 2-0 start.
PSUC opened its season off with a game on the road against Clarkson University. The Cards came away with a 105-95 win.
Last season, PSUC basketball prided itself on its defensive abilities, but only broke the 100-point mark three times. This season it has already broken the hundred-point mark in their first game.
Jonathan Patron led the way for the Cards, going 4-6 from the three-point line.
“I’ve been working on my three point game a lot over the summer. Anything I can do to help the team out is why I’m here,” Patron said following the win at Clarkson.
Defensively, Junior Ian Howard led the rebound stats. Howard finished the day with ten rebounds with six of them coming on defense.
Brandon Johnson led PSUC in points with 28. This was Johnson’s first game starting at point guard, and he did not disappoint.
“I’ve been waiting for this opportunity since I made the team. I’m surrounded by really good players, so they just make my job easier,” Johnson said.
The Cards had their home opener against Skidmore college on Wednesday. It was the annual Rock the Red game for PSUC, as they hosted the Thoroughbreads.
PSUC lost to Skidmore last season 88-62, but a lot can change in the course of one season. Jonathan Patron wasn’t in the lineup at that point last season.
The Cards came away with a 83-75 win over Skidmore college in a defensive struggle. Coach Tom Curle expressed his thoughts on his team’s halftime adjustments.
“In the first half we came out a little sluggish and not playing our best ball. In the second half we kept the ball moving around well, and secured the win.”
It was an impressive performance from sophomore, Travis Cox who came in for 10 minutes during the second half. Cox contributed defensively with a steal and a pair of rebounds. The sophomore also contributed seven points coming off the bench while the game was still close.
As of right now, the Cardinals are ranked No. 14 in d3hoops.com poll.
Plattsburgh’s next game comes on the road in Canton against the Kangaroos. Last season, the Cards defeated the Kangaroos by 30 points in a 88-58 victory.
The Cardinals will not be home again until after Thanksgiving break when they host the New Paltz Hawks on Nov. 30.
Email Alex Hoffman at cp@cardinalpointsonline.com
